Mr Johnson has faced numerous calls to resign since the Tory Christmas party controversy burst into the headlines. For many Britons, the question of who would replace the Tory leader if he was ousted is an easy one to answer.

       Simply tweeting a festive message, “wishing everyone in the UK and around the world a Merry Christmas”, Ms Truss received adoration from countless fans hoping she will announce a leadership bid.

       Russell responded: “Prime Minister in waiting, Liz.”

       Dave Cuff added that Ms Truss looked “very prime ministerial”.

       The question remains on the timing of the Foreign Secretary’s bid, should she choose to peruse one.

       Some, such as ‘Mark’, believe Ms Truss should throw her hat in the ring, but not until “after Boris’s next term, of course”.

       Others, including ‘Boss Tee’, have had quite enough and are “ready for you to take over”.

       ‘BW’ wrote: “I'll just leave this here,” posting an article headlined “what is a vote of no confidence?”. Mr Johnson featured in the articles image. For many Tories, the party scandal appears to have been the final straw.

       Since being appointed Foreign Secretary earlier this year, Ms Truss, previously a pro-EU Liberal Democrat, has been championing the cause of Britain developing new trade networks across the world.

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       In a speech at Chatham House last week, she said: “[We are facing] a new opportunity for the UK to shape the international agenda. An unfrozen moment that we must capitalise on.

       “As an outward-looking, sovereign nation, we are rebuilding our muscle to fulfil the promise of Global Britain – ready to win opportunities for our country and win the future for freedom.”

       This stance has won her many allies, both on the Tory back-benches in Parliament and within Tory grassroots.

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       Late last month, one of Ms Truss’s allies in the Foreign Office was demoted after he was accused of “aggressively” agitating for her to become leader of the party.

       A source told the Mail: “Truss is probably quite nervous about positioning herself too prominently or having outriders briefing too aggressively.

       “Bim [Afolami, formerly Ms Truss’s Parliamentary Private Secretary] wasn't doing it in a sure-footed way.”

       Mr Afolami denied the allegations.

       But some are insisting that Ms Truss has already launched her leadership bid, in all but name.

       Responding to her Christmas post, Grace Beck wrote: “Me thinks somebody is getting to throw their hat in the ring to be the next PM.”

       Stuart Macintosh jibed: “Has anybody told Boris Johnson there's a leadership race on? Maybe they should.”