BORIS: I AM THE LEADER BRITAIN NEEDS

'We are delivering for the people' insists bullish PM after Government scandals

- David Williamson

DEFIANT Boris Johnson has launched a full-throttled defence of his premiership, as his allies declared he would lead the Tories for years to come.

The Prime Minister highlighted 10 landmark measures due to become law this week as proof that he is delivering for Britain.

And he said: “Whether it be in response to Putin's illegal invasion or our recovery from the pandemic, we are providing the leadership needed in challenging times.”

Amid a firm belief in Downing Street that he can put the Partygate saga behind him, Mr Johnson insists he is producing policies people really care about.

He said the new laws, including keeping serious offenders behind bars for longer, strengthening the NHS and smashing people-smuggling gangs, show the Government is providing the leadership the country needs.

It comes as a senior MP predicted: “Boris will be kicked out after May 5," in the face of mounting Conservative unease ahead of next month's local elections.

Meanwhile, others warned the cost of living crisis “could sink the Tory party”.

They added that a bad performance in the May poll would spark a House of Commons confidence vote in the premier.

But Mr Johnson is stressing he is carrying out policies people in Britain want to see and his party is showing the leadership required in "challenging times”.

He said: “This Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the British people. The 10 Bills expected to pass into law this week will protect our borders, tackle the Covid backlogs, keep our streets safe and ease pressures on household budgets by equipping people with the skills to secure well-paid jobs.

"All this sits alongside our relentless drive to capitalise on new Brexit freedoms and unleash the potential of people and businesses right across our country.