Sajid Javid refuses to rule out leadership bid
During an interview with Sky News, Mr Javid said: “I’ve been there and I’ve done that and I’m just focused on my job.
“It’s an honour to be in Government in any role.”
He added: “I don’t think there is going to a leadership election because we have got a leader in place doing an excellent job, is getting on with the job, he’s delivering on all the commitments that we have made.
“I’m there to support him, alongside the rest of the camp.”
Asked again if he could rule out a leadership bid, he responded: “There is no leadership election.”
More than 100 MPs ready to vote against Boris
Over 100 Conservative MPs could vote against the Prime Minister if a no confidence vote is triggered.
Although it is unclear how many letters have been sent in to Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 committee, The i reports a large number of MPs are now ready to turn on Mr Johnson if a vote is called.
Under party rules, 15 per cent of MPs would need to hand in letters of no confidence to trigger a leadership vote.
Once triggered, the Prime Minister would need to secure 50 per cent of the vote in order to keep his position.
Tory MP doubts Liz Truss’ trip to Russia
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick questioned Liz Truss’ planned trip to Russia on Monday morning.
Ms Truss is scheduled to meet her counterpart, Sergei Lavrov to discuss the Ukraine crisis.
Ahead of the trip, Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s The Westminster Hour programme: “I’m not sure it is actually wise to go to Moscow.”
“I think that honours Vladimir Putin and plays into his hand. I just question the good sense of going to Moscow and honouring Vladimir Putin at a time when he is so aggressive towards Ukraine.
“I’m not sure that’s wise.”
Good morning, and welcome to the Evening Standard’s live blog
Here’s your morning round up:
– After a wave of departures from No10, the Prime Minister appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay as his new chief of staff and journalist and Guto Harri as head of communications.
– It is thought the Prime Minister will also announce Dame Emily Lawson as permanent secretary this week.
– Tory peer, Sir Charles Walker has called on the Prime Minister to resign following the backlash from partygate.
– Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng throw his support behind the Prime Minister over the weekend, saying: “I think the Prime Minister has been very clear that he wants a reset in No10. He was very clear speaking to Conservative MPs on Monday and what we saw last week was him following through with that commitment.”
