Up to 12 Tory MPs are understood to have submitted letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister. The Government has come under severe pressure ever since shocking details emerged of a Christmas party in Downing Street last December.

       Mr Johnson is also facing a huge Tory rebellion in the Commons tomorrow as he looks to press ahead with tightening coronavirus restrictions.

       Christopher Hope, chief political correspondent at the Daily Telegraph, tweeted: “As many as 12 Tory MPs have submitted letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson, allies of the PM believe.

       “But loyal Conservative MPs believe the situation can be turned around by appointing David Canzini to 10 Downing Street.”

       Mr Canzini, a former director of campaigning at the Conservative Party, is thought to be in talks to become the Prime Minister’s new chief adviser.

       Should the Prime Minister fall short in any potential vote, then a leadership contest would be triggered and he would be barred from entering.

       Mr Johnson faces his next battle in the Commons on Tuesday as MPs vote on moving to Plan B Covid restrictions.

       The measures will pass as they have the backing of Labour – but all eyes will be on the size of the Tory rebellion.

       Reports suggest up to 70 Tory MPs could vote against the Government.

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       Former Cabinet ministers David Davis, Esther McVey, Dr Liam Fox, Greg Clark and former Brexit minister Steve Baker have all voiced concerns about the plans.

       Mr Baker confirmed he will vote against further restrictions, stating they are "wrong" and "disproportionate".

       Meanwhile, up to 10 ministerial aides are understood to be preparing to quit over the plans.

       Plan B restrictions include compulsory mask-wearing indoors in most public places and guidance for people to work from home where possible.

       NHS Covid passes showing full vaccination or a recent negative test will be required for entry to indoor venues containing more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people, from Wednesday.

       Speaking this afternoon during a visit to a vaccination clinic in west London, Mr Johnson said his plans were “balanced and proportionate”.

       He said: “I think what everybody needs to recognise is a couple of things: that Omicron is a very serious risk to public health, and that it is spreading really fast and there's no room for complacency."

       Mr Johnson added: "And I hope that people will also understand, colleagues in Westminster and around the country, will also see that the measures we're putting in place are balanced and proportionate."