Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood has told Sky News he will be submitting a letter of no confidence in Boris Johnson today.

The senior Tory, who is chair of the Defence Select Committee, revealed in an interview with Kay Burley that he would be making the move.

He said it is “time to resolve this” as the Conservative Party is “slipping into a very ugly place”.

It comes as the prime minister faces continued pressure over the partygate revelations, with the Metropolitan Police investigating 12 gatherings during COVID-19 restrictions for potential breaches of regulations.

Explaining why he will be submitting a letter to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, Mr Ellwood said: “I don’t think the Prime Minister realises how worried colleagues are in every corner of the party, backbenchers and ministers alike, that this is all only going one way and will invariably slide towards a very ugly place.

“I believe it’s time for the Prime Minister to take a grip of this; he himself should call a vote of confidence rather than waiting for the inevitable 54 letters to be eventually submitted.

“It’s time to resolve this completely so the party can get back to governing, and, yes, I know the next question you will ask, I will be submitting my letter today to the 1922 Committee.”