CONSERVATIVE MPS are concerned that Boris Johnson may use “the nuclear option” to preserve his Premiership from the Partygate crisis, calling an early election in October.

Speculation among Tory backbenchers is widespread amid rumours that the beleaguered Prime Minister would face even more humiliating disclosures when civil servant Sue Gray’s entire report is published. The letters required to be submitted to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which represents Tory MPs, for a vote of confidence in Mr Johnson’s leadership are believed to be only eight in number.

“The speculation today is that if things get worse, he will ask the whips to submit the remaining few letters before the Sue Gray report is published,” one MP told Express.uk.

“That would mean we have a vote of confidence without the full facts which he would easily win.

“Colleagues are now talking about the very real possibility of an October election.”

Another Tory MP added: “If he gets a vote of confidence from MPs, he could argue he needs one from the country even if it means we lose a lot of seats.”

The MP went on: “It’s like Vladimir Putin threatening the nuclear option. He will either win or take us all out.”

An ex-minister acknowledged that an early election is possible, but Mr Johnson deserved the backing of his colleagues.

“Those colleagues of mine criticising him are just playing Labour’s game.

“Labour knows that Boris is our future because he is the one man who can unite our old support base with the new one we have picked up from working-class supporters, especially in former Labour red wall seats.

“If he fights an election against Keir Starmer he should win. Starmer cannot even say what a woman is.”

The grandee also dismissed polls that showed the Conservatives trailing.

“It is one thing people telling pollsters when there is not an election and another at the ballot box. Labour, in reality, have very little to offer.”

There is widespread anticipation that Mr Johnson might face up to four further fines from the Metropolitan Police for violating Downing Street’s lockdown guidelines.

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