Striking a similar note, the Times says the events of recent days have “bolstered” Tory rebel hopes of ousting Mr Johnson as PM. Critics of the prime minister have told the paper that events over the last few days mean he is more likely to lose support within the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers. A so-called “rebel ringleader” told the paper: “It has certainly sharpened minds to act because it all goes back to the prime minister.”