Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a week of reckoning as a report into Downing Street parties during lockdown is due to be released.
The partygate inquiry, which is being carried out by civil servant Sue Gray, could determine Mr Johnson’s fate as the country’s prime minister.
Many Tory MPs have said they will wait to see the investigation’s findings before making a decision on whether to push for a vote of no confidence, which could see him forced out of Number 10.
Analysis: Growing civil war as Tories wait for partygate report
However, some rebel MPs have indicated they will submit letters of no confidence to the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, whatever the report finds.
Under party rules, once the total number of letters reaches 54 – 15% of Tory MPs – Sir Graham must call a vote of confidence in the leader.
Ms Gray’s findings are not expected to be released on Monday but could come out any day this week.
Allies of Mr Johnson say there have been efforts to bolster his defences and protect his position ahead of the report’s publication.
They believe there may still be a way through, providing Ms Gray does not explicitly state the prime minister was aware of any rule-breaking going on in Downing Street.
“There are still a few sharks in the water that we need to navigate… but the immediate danger has receded,” one ally told Sky News.
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Prime Minister lays low
The prime minister has spent the last two days at Chequers, his countryside retreat, calling MPs to try and shore up support.
Downing Street has already said he…
Source : skynews
