Tobias Ellwood on his no-confidence letter in Boris Johnson

Conservative politician Mr Ellwood submitted a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister earlier this week.

He described Mr Johnson's claim over Jimmy Savile used against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons on Monday as "almost Trumpian".

The former defence minister told the Daily Echo a "combination of issues" had led to him making this decision.

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"The Prime Minister was exactly the right leader in the previous battles, resolving the Brexit impasse, which was very painful, winning a decisive General Election, and keeping spirits up and pioneering the vaccine rollout during the pandemic," said Mr Ellwood.

"But looking ahead, looking at his strengths and weaknesses and now the culture of Number 10 has led me sadly to draw the conclusion that we do need to reconsider the direction of travel of the party.

"There are two choices there. You either bring in the disciplinary, cultural and visionary changes through Number 10 by the present leader or you introduce a new leader to take us forward.

Tobias Ellwood, Bournemouth East MP

"Unfortunately it has been ever increasingly difficult to justify the inertia and the current culture, which has allowed an erosion of trust with the British people."

Fifty-three of Mr Ellwood's Conservative colleagues will need to submit letters to the 1922 Committee in Mr Johnson's leadership to trigger a no-confidence vote.

The number to have been given in so far is only known by committee chairman Sir Graham Brady, but around a dozen MPs have confirmed their submissions publicly.

Asked if the feelings in his constituency had played a part in his decision, defence select committee chairman Mr Ellwood said: "I certainly wouldn't have done this without consulting constituents and my local association, who were absolutely praising in the Prime Minister's previous achievements but then recognising there are different challenges ahead and therefore the current style of leadership requires a different approach."

He added: "There are things that come in waves. They gain national attention and then the issues diminish or disappear.

"This does feel like it has a permanence about it and that is why I am saddened that we have not begun the process of regrouping, repairing and then producing the new plan, introducing the new personnel, shaking up Number 10 and the whole mechanics of White Hall to show we mean business and to meet both the domestic and international challenges that are in front of us."

On Monday, after civil servant Sue Gray published an update into her investigation into allegations of lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street, Mr Johnson told the House of Commons he was “making changes” to Downing Street and the Cabinet Office, including by creating an Office of the Prime Minister.

Boris Johnson remains under pressure from some backbench Conservative MPs

Mr Ellwood said "much more needs to be done" to address the problems.

"Fundamentally, the chief of staff is a critical role in Number 10. I suggested introducing a four-star general or a somebody like Jonathan Van-Tam. This would be seismic in the message it would send to the British people that change is afoot.

"When you hear some of the responses and linking in Jimmy Savile in an argument on a day you should be explaining the Sue Gray report is almost Trumpian in its approach.

"I think many of my colleagues have found that very uncomfortable indeed."

Mr Ellwood said it had been a "very, very testing time" for every single member of parliament, but added: "It is inherent in any governing body to be able to advance its ideas, to morph and occasionally to recycle in order to stay on top of your game."

He would not be drawn on a potential replacement for Mr Johnson.

"It is far too early. What I would say is that I know that is a question people pose," he said.

"There is an abundance of talent in our party that even currently is untapped. The Prime Minister should really take the opportunity to bring forward the capabilities rather than reward loyalty alone."