The Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP told Nub News there was 'absolutely no alternative' to Boris Johnson resigning, saying it was clear he 'simply couldn't continue'.

Mr Whittingdale served as media minster until he was sacked by Boris Johnson, in a Cabinet reshuffle last September.

He said it was 'sad' how the situation had 'spun out' over the last 48 hours, before the Prime Minister recognised it had.

The former media minister said: "I think he has a great deal to be proud of such as leading the country through the pandemic, delivering on Brexit and supporting the Ukrainians."

While frontrunners Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are tipped to take over from Mr Johnson, Mr Whittingdale is unsure who to support yet, but says there are "a number of talented individuals" in the running.

Mr Whittingdale has assured voters he will not be throwing his hat into the ring.

He said: "It is a relentlessly gruelling job. I admire anybody willing to take on the role of Prime Minister."

Despite the extra pressure on Mr Johnson caused by the Chris Pincher affair, Mr Whittingdale feels it was the last in a 'long line' of issues the Prime Minister has had to apologise for.

Mr Johnson has previously apologised for receiving a fine after attending a party at Number 10 Downing Street during lockdown (Photo: ITV News)

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"He can only do that so many times and still maintain the public's trust."

Last night (July 6), Mr Whittingdale attended a meeting of the 1922 Committee, where he says, "it was clear the Prime Minister could no longer continue".

"Even last night, before the latest wave of resignations."

More than 50 MPs have resigned from Boris Johnson's government in the last 48 hours.

Mr Whittingdale is due to host lunch with eight Ukrainian MPs this afternoon (July 7), after leading the UK delegation at the annual session of the OSCE PA in Birmingham.

He says there will be 'great sadness' in Kyiv and aims to reassure the delegates that the UK government will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Boris Johnson made a statement outside Number 10 Downing Street at 12.30pm this afternoon, in which he said: "It is clearly now the will of the Parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of the party and a new Prime Minister.

"The reason I have fought so hard over the last few days, was not just because I wanted to do so, but because I felt it was my job, my duty, and my obligation to you.

"I'm immensely proud of the achievements of this government."

Mr Whittingdale was in the room with former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher when she resigned, and told Nub News Mr Johnson had "less support in his Cabinet than Mrs Thatcher".

The Prime Minister will stay in his role until a new leader is elected by Conservative Party members.