Former prime minister Boris Johnson has said he is 'up for' running for PM again as he flies back from a holiday in the Caribbean, an ally has said.
Trade minister Sir James Duddridge has said on Friday that Johnson, 58, has told him 'we are going to do this' after Liz Truss sensationally resigned earlier this week.
Sir James told the PA news agency: “I’ve been in contact with the boss via WhatsApp.
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“He’s going to fly back. He said, ‘I’m flying back, Dudders. We are going to do this. I’m up for it’.”
Candidates hoping to replace Truss will need at least 100 nominations from Tory MPs, but Sir James doesn't think this will be a problem for Johnson.
He also said that Johnson has 'learned and reflected' during his time out of office, and says he recognises he needs a 'slicker' operation that has 'command of the details'.
Also running for leadership is Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, and former chancellor Rishi Sunak - who went head to head with Truss for the top spot - is also expected to announce he is standing, too.
Truss replaced Johnson in September, after he quit his role in Downing Street.
The prime minister announced on Thursday (20 October) that she was going to be leaving the role just 44 days after entering Downing Street, making hers the shortest time in office as prime minister in British history.
She will stay in office for a few more days while the Conservative party sorts out who will be the next leader and prime minister.
It is believed there will be a new prime minister in place before the fiscal statement on October 31.
On Friday morning, Johnson's father, Stanley Johnson, spoke about the possibility of his son returning.
On Good Morning Britain, presenters Adil Ray and Kate Garraway questioned Stanley over whether Johnson's 'head is in a place' where his father could see him coming back.
While admitting he couldn't confirm Johnson's exact movements, Stanley stated: "Look I think he's on a plane as I understand it.
"Coming back? He is coming back from wherever he is."
He added: "This is what I think. I'm going to listen to what the candidates have to say. [...] I will listen to all of them. And I will say, okay, I think I'm going to support Boris, I'm pretty sure I'm going to support Boris.
"But I want to be sure that he's going to stick to the 2019 manifesto and I particularly want to be sure - because I'm an environmentalist - that he gives a very strong promise not to proceed with Rees-Mogg's absurd bill."
Many have expressed their concern at the prospect of Johnson returning. Conservative MP Sir Robert Syms has described the idea as 'a fantasy', meanwhile, deputy leader of the Lib Dems Daisy Cooper has urged Tory MPs to block Boris from returning.
Sir James claims Johnson will land back in the UK on Saturday (22 October).
Topics: News, Boris Johnson
Lucy Devine