BORIS: 100 MPS back me SUNAK: Prove it

BORIS Johnson was engaged in a bizarre numbers game in the race for No 10 last night – as his claim that he has the backing of 100 MPs was rubbished. 

- NIGEL NELSON

His disbelieving rival Rishi Sunak sent out a message asking for proof, given Johnson’s track record on the truth.

Sunak-backing MP Richard Holden went a step further, by declaring: “They don’t exist.”

By late evening, only 53 had publicly declared for the ex-PM and put it in writing in nomination papers.

Ex-Chancellor Mr Sunak – the bookies’ favourite at 2/5 – had 125 confirmed backers, while Commons leader Penny Mordaunt was trailing on 23 and, a 33-1 shot, may not make the final cut.

The Sunday Mirror revealed the “Bring Boris Back” plot seven weeks ago. MPs’ phones were red hot yesterday as each camp tried to lure supporters away from the other. One Johnson backer said: “I’ve had several calls from Rishi’s people promising me the earth if I would change sides.”

Labour leader Keir Starmer told the Mirror: “The country is fed up to the back teeth with this Tory chaos.

“They’re angry and they want their say, which is why we need a general election now. This is a time to put country first, party second. The Tories are unfit to govern the country and unable to govern themselves.

“We don’t have to go on like this. I lead a serious, credible, changed Labour Party with a plan for economic stability jobs and growth.”

MPs are adamant that if Mr Johnson wins he must keep Jeremy Hunt on as Chancellor even though he was a Remainer and never go a job under Brexiteer Johnson.

The ex-PM has also been told to offer Mr Sunak either Foreign or Home Secretary and rehire some of the 59 ministers who quit in July forcing Mr Johnson to resign. Ms Mordaunt is likely to become deputy PM whoever wins.