Tory MP Steve Baker says he is 'implores' to join any race to succeed Boris Johnson

Rebel Tory MP Steve Baker has revealed he is considering running in any leadership race to replace Boris Johnson, suggesting some people are 'begging' him to do so.

This comes as the Prime Minister defies calls to step down, but his ability to 'fight on' was further undermined by a series of further resignations on Thursday morning, including that of Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis.

< p>M. Baker warned that the government was now in "freefall" and said: "I think it will end in the next few days. Now is the time to think about the future".