Boris Johnson 'should stay on as prime minister after Tory cybersecurity scare', says Lord

Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch, whose campaign to put the shamed PM on the ballot has been backed by more than 14,000 Tory members, says the Mr Johnson's resignation should be rejected while the issues are resolved

The postponement of the Tory poll has led to calls for Boris Johnson's resignation to be rejected (

Image: PA)

A pro-Boris Johnson campaigner has called for the Tory leadership race to be halted over cybersecurity concerns.

Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch, whose campaign to have the shamed prime minister on the ballot has been backed by more than 14,000 Tory members, says Mr Johnson's resignation should be rejected while issues are resolved.

This comes after the party delayed the delivery of ballots amid hacking fears.

He also suggested that members be given the opportunity to vote for Mr Johnson to remain in office, meaning there would be 'no need for a leadership race'.

In a letter to chief executive Darren Mott and the party's board published on the Conservative Post's website, Lord Cruddas said: "The board should reject the Prime Minister's resignation and ask him to remain while the board resolves any cybersecurity issues and the leadership campaign may be reconsidered in due course."

Party members should be allowed to decide "on a simple yes/no vote to accept the prime minister's resignation in the future", he suggested.

Lord Cruddas suggested that the leadership race be dropped (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

"If the members vote to keep Boris, then there is no need for a leadership campaign and no more cyber threats."

Lord Cruddas says the debacle should be an opportunity to assess whether Mr Johnson should ultimately leave.

As The Mirror previously reported, a petition on the Conservative Post website reads: "In 2019 Boris Johnson was elected by MPs...