Boris Johnson expected to meet threshold of 100 MPs in Tory leadership race

Boris Johnson is expected to secure the 100 votes he needs to stand in the Tory leadership race, a cabinet minister has claimed today.

The hunt for a new prime minister began yesterday following the resignation of Liz Truss, who was forced out of office just forty-five days after her Tory leadership race win.

Speculation is now rife as to who will replace Truss, with speculation mounting that former PM Boris Johnson could be making a sensational comeback.

While reports suggest Johnson remains on holiday in the Dominican Republic, it is believed he could be gearing up to run for the Tory leadership for a second time, with his return to the UK reportedly being ‘imminent’.

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Party rules for the leadership contest mean candidates will need the backing of at least 100 Tory MPs by Monday afternoon (October 24th) to stay in the race.

And according to one cabinet minister, Johnson is expected to meet this voting threshold, with them telling Sky News: “I’d expect him to get to 100.

“Even people who resigned from his government were on the terrace yesterday telling colleagues they would now back him and members definitely will.”

A friend of Johnson has also told Sky News that it is ‘likely’ he will stand.

Nadine Dorries, the former culture secretary and a loyal Johnson supporter, also told the news outlet that she is confident the former PM will meet the threshold of 100 MPs.

She said: “He is a known winner and that is certainly who I’m putting my name against because I want us to win the general election. Having a winner in place is what the party needs to survive.”

Johnson was forced to resign as PM back in July after more than fifty ministers and government aides declared no confidence in his leadership.

His exit followed years of scandals, including alleged lockdown parties at Number 10, accusations of breaking international law, and his handling of sexual harassment allegations against Pincher, the deputy chief whip.