Boris Johnson still has control of Downing Street after a string of close aides quit their jobs, his official spokesman has insisted.
Mr Johnson quoted The Lion King as he attempted to rally remaining staff, telling them “Change is good”.
His spokesman said No.10 Downing Street was “not currently” expecting more resignations in the coming hours.
But another Member of Parliament, Aaron Bell, submitted a letter of no confidence in the PM as the leader battles to save his own job.
In a Twitter post, Mr. Bell said the “breach of trust” over the rule-breaking and how it had been handled made the PM’s position “untenable.”
Earlier this week, the MP Bell criticized Mr. Johnson over lockdown parties in the Commons.
Backbench conflict is growing within the Conservative Party, as 17 Tory MPs have submitted no-confidence letters in the prime minister, out of the total 54 needed to trigger a leadership contest.
Many have cited the PM’s participation in parties with staff in No.10 during lockdowns in UK as their motivation to challenge Mr Johnson.
The Metropolitan Police is also investigating 12 of the parties and full report by Ms Gray is expected to be published afterwards.
The wave of departures from Mr Johnson’s top team adds to the feeling of instability around him.
Mr Johnson’s official spokesman told reporters that three of departures, Jack Doyle, Dan Rosenfield and Martin Reynolds had come as a result of “mutual decisions”.
But the exit of Head of Policy, Munira Mirza and Policy Advisor Elena Narozanski had not been planned.
Backbencher Tory MP, Huw Merriman told the media today, Friday, February 4, 2022, that the PM should “shape up or ship out”.
But Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove said it was “the best thing for the country” to keep Mr Johnson in post.
The minister said “The PM wanted change and he said there would be change, and we’re seeing that change now,” although he once claimed Mr. Johnson was not up to the Prime Minister’s job.
The PM, in a meeting with staff on Friday, February 4, 2022, acknowledged that it was a “challenging time” in No 10, but he tried to reassure colleagues by quoting Rafiki from Disney’s The Lion King, saying “change is good”.
His spokesman said Mr Johnson also “reflected on the privilege of working in No.10” and “thanked those who are leaving for their contribution alongside the whole team for their work”.
Three of the departed aides were caught up in the lockdown parties, including Senior civil servant, Mr Reynolds, who sent out an invitation to a “bring your own booze” party.
But Policy Chief, Munira Mirza, on the other hand, quit over the PM’s false claim that Labour leader, Sir Keir failed to prosecute Savile when he was Director of Public Prosecutions, and his refusal to apologise.
In a scornful resignation letter, Ms Mirza described the comments as “scurrilous”, although working with Mr Johnson for 14 years.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak publicly distanced himself from the PM’s original comment, saying: “Being honest, I wouldn’t have said it,” adding “that’s for the prime minister to decide,” after being asked whether Mr Johnson should apologise.
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