Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen says that over 50 per cent of the Conservative Party could call for Boris Johnson to resign before tomorrow evening (Wednesday).

Expectations are growing that the Prime Minister will have to stand down after two of his most senior ministers quit the cabinet this evening (Tuesday) as more facts emerged about the Chris Pincher affair.

Mr Bridgen has been a public and fierce critic of the Prime Minister.

And he told Andrew Marr on LBC that a Tory leadership contest could begin 'within 24 hours'

The Downing Street Office of the Prime Minister had earlier denied the level of knowledge Mr Johnson had about the past record of shamed the shamed Tamworth MP, who has admitted groping men and unacceptable conduct in Parliament while drunk before appointing him to a position in the Conservative Whips' office.

He has already been suspended from the Conservative Party and now faces other allegations.

This evening Mr Johnson admitted he had been told about complaints about Mr Pincher in 2019 and made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it.

Coalville MP Andrew Bridgen has been a long time critic of Boris Johnson

Within minutes of that admission, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned. Mr Sunak said the public expect "government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously" while Mr Javid told the Prime Minister he can "no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government".

Expectation is now rife that Mr Johnson will finally have to fall on his sword and resign after months of criticism over his conduct, decisions and attempts to avoid blame for 'Partygate' and other government failing.

Mr Bridgen has twice submitted letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister to the 1922 committee and voiced his concerns about Boris Johnson on a number of occasions.

Following the resignations, he said the latest developments could lead to the rules regarding a fresh confidence vote could being changed far quicker than previously thought, potentially triggering a leadership contest

How quickly in theory do you think you could have a contest forced?" Andrew Marr asked Mr Bridgen.

"Within 24 hours if we've got the letters" the rebel MP responded.

He admitted to being "absolutely convinced" that Boris Johnson will be out of office once the rules get changed, revealing that he has spoken to "former Boris loyalists" who are now adamant that the PM has to go.

Mr Bridgen noted that "even if we had to set the vote at 50 per cent, I think we'd get it," such is the anger within the Conservative party.

Quizzed on Boris Johnson's successor, Mr Bridgen said "the next leader of the Conservative party will have to show integrity, courage, leadership, and I've seen precious little of that from the current cabinet."

Last week, he joked in response to the Prime Minister saying he wanted to be in office until the 2030s: "I'm happy for him to stay until 20:30 - he can even stay until 9 o'clock if he wants."