Suella Braverman told ITV’s Peston that there was currently “an overwhelming sense of despair among Tory MPs”, adding: “It’s time for the Prime Minister to resign”. Ms Braverman said it was “untenable” for Johnson to continue as leader – and signaled her own intention to enter a future contest. The cabinet minister, who has previously been a staunch supporter of the prime minister, said he had handled the issues “desperately” in recent days. “The balance has now tipped in favor of saying that the Prime Minister – it pains me to say it – but it’s time to go.” Also speaking to ITV’s Peston Matt Hancock, a former health secretary in the Johnson government, said the prime minister should “of course” resign. “Unfortunately he has lost the support of his cabinet, many, many of his ministers and the parliamentary party … it has come to the point where he has to resign,” Mr Hancock said. Meanwhile, Ms Braverman, MP for Fareham, also told ITV’s Peston that she would put her name in the ring in any future leadership contest. “If there is a leadership contest, I will put my name in the ring,” Ms. Braverman said. “I love this country, my parents came here with absolutely nothing and it was Britain that gave them hope, security and opportunity. This country has given me incredible opportunities in my education and career. I owe this country a debt of gratitude and serving as prime minister would be the greatest honor, so yes, I will try.” Hancock said he would not run in a future leadership election, but said: “I’m very interested in what happens next,” adding that he would be “happy” to serve in government. The prime minister has faced more than 40 resignations from his government since Wednesday night, but his supporters told ITV News that Johnson was still in “quite buoyant spirits” and “is up for a fight”. Ms Braverman said she would not be stepping down from her role, despite calling on the prime minister to leave, as she said she had a “duty” to carry on. “I don’t want to resign because I have this duty and we need a lawyer in the government,” he said. “My first duty is to the country … we are in crisis and I have legislative, legal and constitutional duties,” Ms Braverman told ITV’s Peston. “We need a lawyer in the government,” he said. Asked if there was a “good chance” the prime minister would now ask her to resign, Ms Braverman said: “That is his choice and I will do whatever the prime minister asks me to do.” A reshuffle was underway at Number 10 on Wednesday night as the prime minister sought to fill vacancies in his cabinet left by resignations. Michael Gove was a key figure sacked by Johnson after a group of his top ministers called on him to leave. Watch ITV’s Peston from 10.45pm on Wednesday live on Twitter, ITV and the ITV Hub then Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know…