‘We’re going to lose, we deserve it’ – the view from inside the Tory party

Senior Conservatives fear that, whether the PM stays or goes, the opinion poll deficit is not now recoverable

It's supposed to be make-up-your-mind time for Conservative MPs. But having waited six months for Sue Gray's report into law-breaking parties across Westminster, many are still grappling with whether to clear Boris Johnson's path to the next general election - or oust the man who won them an 80-seat majority.

What is already clear is that boastful proclamations from Johnson's supporters this week claiming the prime minister's position was safe have proved premature.