Tory plotters eye local elections as next chance to oust Boris Johnson

Unhappy MPs feel poor results would help their cause, but No 10 believes he has crossed Rubicon' and will cling on

Tory MPs are considering the aftermath of dire local election results as their next chance to oust Boris Johnson, with the prime minister preparing to apologise for his Partygate penalty.

However, Downing Street is feeling bullish that Johnson has crossed the Rubicon" after receiving his first fixed-penalty notice earlier this month, and will cling on in the face of further charges.