Conservatives in Maldon are still supporting Boris Johnson, despite rising expectations the Prime Minister will be forced to stand down after two high-profile resignations last night (July 5).

Downing Street earlier denied the level of knowledge Mr Johnson had about the past record of the shamed Tamworth MP Chris Pincher. Pincher has admitted to groping men and unacceptable conduct in Parliament while drunk but was appointed by Mr Johnson to a position in the Conservative Whips' office.

The disgraced MP has been suspended from the Conservative Party and now faces other allegations.

Yesterday, Mr Johnson admitted he had been told about complaints about Mr Pincher in 2019 and made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it.

Within minutes of that admission, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned.

Mr Sunak said the public expect "government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously" while Mr Javid told the Prime Minister he can "no longer, in good conscience, continue serving in this government".

However, Linda Pailing, Chair of Maldon's Conservative Association, told Nub News she was 'annoyed' that people "couldn't stay firm" with the Prime Minister.

She said the two major resignations are "not helpful".

"I'm a supporter of Boris and I just wish people had held firm and let him get on with doing the job.

"Economically, we are in a tragic situation and it's not going to get any better. We need somebody with guts and determination to lead us through that."

Mrs Pailing feels Mr Johnson is the only person with the "necessary character and determination to lead from the front".

Despite defending the Prime Minister over his appointment of Pincher, Ms Pailing feels more should be done to improve the selection of MPs.

"I am surprised at the quality of some of our MPs, to be honest. The Prime Minister made some serious faults in his selection, but the selection of MPs needs to be looked at.

"Things are coming out of the woodwork that would certainly affect the selection of a town or parish councillor.

"It wouldn't happen at a local level."

As of this afternoon (July 6), more than 30 MPs have resigned from Mr Johnson's government in protest over his leadership.

John Whittingdale, Maldon's Conservative MP and former Media Minister under Mr Johnson, was unavailable for comment.

Councillor Penny Channer, leader of Maldon District Council's Conservative group, has been approached for comment.