By Andrew MacAskill

(Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson may face a leadership challenge after an angered backlash about claims that parties were held at Johnson’s residence during coronavirus lockdowns.

Johnson dismissed an accusation made by his former advisor that he had lied in parliament about one party. ITV (LON. ) News, reporting from sources, stated that the number of letters he needs to have a no confidence vote against his leadership may be met on Wednesday.

The Telegraph reports that up to 20 Conservative lawmakers elected in the 2018 general election will submit letters of non confidence to Johnson.

Johnson’s Office did not respond when we asked for comments.

Johnson, who was just two years old, was the darling his party. He secured the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher’s 1987 election, which allowed him to fulfill promises to steer Britain away from the European Union.

However, the relationship is quickly deteriorating under the pressure of the steady stream of revelations concerning Downing Street’s apparent flouting strict lockdown regulations.

54 Conservative legislators must send letters of confidence to their party’s chairman, the 1922 Committee. This will trigger a leadership crisis.

These letters are kept confidential so only the chairman knows the number of lawmakers who have written them.

FINAL PLAN B

Johnson will speak to parliament Wednesday, after his Cabinet approves plans to remove restrictions that were imposed in England to stop the spread COVID-19.

Last month, as Omicron spread quickly across Britain the government implemented “Plan B” measures. The measures included instructions to work remotely, masks indoors, and mass vaccinations.

Johnson would be pleased to remove the restrictions. He wants to restore normality to his party’s life, as he tries to control a rebellion which was started by claims that rule-breaking groups are causing chaos.

This week, his political woes were compounded by Dominic Cummings. He is the architect of Britain’s exit from Europe and was a senior advisor who resigned in November 2020.

Johnson apologized to Parliament last week. He said he thought the event was work and that he attended only 25 minutes to express gratitude to staff.

Sue Gray, a senior civil servant, is looking into a number of allegations against Johnson and his team, as well as officials at 10 Downing Street and other government buildings, between May 2020 to April 2021. This was when COVID-19 regulations limited the social gatherings that could be held.

Johnson was visibly upset and apologized to Queen Elizabeth after staff partying late at night in Downing Street just before Prince Philip’s funeral.

Johnson might not give up on the cause, even if he tries to keep his cool. The largest advantage that the Labour Party, an opposition party, has over the Conservatives is now since 2013.