Johnson asked Penny Mordaunt to quit race, sources say
Sources close to Commons leader Penny Mordaunt have told Sky News she has spoken to Boris Johnson and rejected a request to back him.
The former prime minister, Rishi Sunak and Ms Mordaunt are all in the fray to become the country's next prime minister but the prospect of Mr Johnson's return is a polarising issue for many in a divided Conservative Party.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly endorsed Mr Johnson today, saying he had "learned lessons from his time in Number 10 and would "ensure the focus is on the needs of the country from day one".
However, Mr Sunak continued to extend his lead among MPs, with Sky News analysis now putting his support at 140 declarations.
https://news.sky.com/story/next-prim...daunt-12593360