UK ministers push for Johnson to take over from May

At least five UK Cabinet ministers are pushing for Boris Johnson to topple Theresa May as Conservative party leader and Prime Minister, one of his close allies said today but the foreign secretary denied any plans of a coup.

Pressure has been building up on May to step down after a disastrous election result for the Tories, which saw the ruling party's majority slashed and being forced to cobble together a minority government with the support of Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

"A handful of senior people have pledged their loyalty to Boris at Cabinet level," a Johnson ally told 'The Sunday Times'. "He has been inundated with messages of support... We need a Brexiteer. Boris is the only option with the liberal values, Brexit credentials and popular appeal," he added. But Johnson reacted to media speculation on Twitter by dismissing any rebellion: "I am backing Theresa May. Let's get on with the job."

The latest leadership speculation comes a day after two of May's closest advisers, her joint chiefs-of-staff Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy, resigned amid recriminations about their controlling management style. May had been reportedly given an ultimatum to get rid of the duo or face a leadership challenge by Monday.

"Theresa May is a dead woman walking and the only question is how long she remains on death row," said George Osborne, who had been sacked as UK Chancellor when May took over at 10 Downing Street.