Merseyside's only Conservative MP Damien Moore has hinted he chose to remove the Prime Minister in the dramatic secret ballot.
Mr Johnson survived the vote, but was badly damaged as 148 of his own MPs voted to state they had no confidence in his leadership and to try and remove him. That figure represents 41% of the entire Conservative Parliamentary Party and is a far higher number than those who voted to remove Theresa May in 2018.
Those voting against the Prime Minister have become more and more angry over the partygate revelations which saw Mr Johnson receive a police fine. He was also heavily criticised in the explosive Sue Gray report into wider lockdown breaches in Downing Street.
READ MORE: Merseyside's only Tory MP refuses to back Boris Johnson ahead of no confidence vote
Speaking before yesterday's vote, Mr Moore refused to support Mr Johnson, stating: "I have never supported anyone blatantly breaking the covid rules, which were put in place to protect us all, and which the Sue Gray report, and the Metropolitan Police investigation, have now concluded that the current Prime Minister broke. I will publish an update after the result is announced."
Today, the ECHO asked Mr Moore to reveal which way he voted in the secret ballot. While he would not specify exactly how he voted, the Southport MP's words suggested he did not back the Prime Minister last night.
He said: "I have maintained constant communication with my constituents, particularly over these past few weeks, and have listened to and read all of their concerns. Their anger is justified, and I understand that it is in no way diminished by last night’s vote.
"I believe that the vote has helped to refocus the Prime Minister’s mind on the big issues facing us today, from healthcare to the economy, and with this serious message now delivered, he must ensure that he doesn’t lose focus of our present priorities."
He added: "I believe the great anger and dissatisfaction of many across our constituencies and in Parliament has now been communicated, and that Downing Street must now strain every sinew to regain people’s trust.
"My desire to progress our local priorities is in no way diminished, and with the Prime Minister’s focus on delivering for our town and indeed for the country now sharpened, I continue to be entirely dedicated towards working to give people across our wonderful town the opportunities that they deserve."
