Rishi Sunak ‘is increasingly frustrated with Boris Johnson’s maelstrom of chaos’

Rishi Sunak has become ‘increasingly frustrated with Boris Johnson’s maelstrom of chaos after the prime minister’s disastrous Peppa Pig speech, bungled rail announcement and MPs’ rebellion. 

An anonymous government source told the paper Mr Sunak was concerned because he ‘keeps being hit by the maelstrom of chaos next door’.     

‘You can manage it in the short term but it becomes more difficult to stomach when there’s no signs it will change.’ 

Another ally said the chancellor was ‘frustrated with the operation in No.10’ but added he was ‘not confrontational’ despite taking things ‘seriously’.

It comes as Tory MPs were ordered to put on a show of support for Mr Johnson as he defended his record in the Commons yesterday, amid rising concern over the PM’s chaotic leadership.

Rishi Sunak has become ‘increasingly frustrated with Boris Johnson’s maelstrom of chaos after the prime minister’s disastrous Peppa Pig speech, bungled rail announcement and MPs’ rebellion

Allies of the chancellor said he believes Prime Minister Boris Johnson must show greater professionalism following a series of damaging crises this week

Conservative whips pressured backbench MPs to pack the Commons chamber for Prime Minister’s Questions and cheer on the PM as Sir Keir Starmer twisted the knife over a string of U-turns and mishaps.

Mr Sunak put on a pointed show of unity, nodding along as the PM defended his record.

The Chancellor’s appearance alongside Mr Johnson followed revelations in the Daily Mail yesterday that some senior figures in Government blame the Treasury for a toxic briefing against the PM earlier this week.  

A ‘senior Downing Street source’ told the BBC there was ‘a lot of concern inside the building about the PM’ following a botched speech to the CBI on Monday in which Mr Johnson lost his place for more than 20 seconds.

The briefing has led to a Whitehall hunt for the so-called ‘Chatty Pig’ responsible.

Several sources pointed the finger at Mr Sunak’s adviser Liam Booth-Smith, head of the joint No 10/Treasury economic unit.

The claim was strongly denied by the Treasury. A friend of Mr Booth-Smith said it was ‘not his style’ to give damaging briefings.

Many in government believe the real source of the briefing is based in No 10, which has also been hit by infighting.

The Chancellor’s appearance alongside Mr Johnson followed revelations in the Daily Mail yesterday that some senior figures in Government blame the Treasury for a toxic briefing against the PM earlier this week

But the claim has sparked renewed tensions between the Chancellor and Mr Johnson, which have been simmering for weeks.

The PM’s press secretary sought to play down the row yesterday, telling reporters the two men were ‘working together well’.

She added: ‘The PM and Chancellor, and the entire government, is focused on getting on and delivering on people’s priorities.’   

Tory unease about Mr Johnson’s Downing Street operation was heightened yesterday by a poll suggesting the PM’s approval rating has fallen to a record low.

The Savanta ComRes survey put Mr Johnson’s net approval rating at minus 14. It also gave Labour a narrow two-point lead.

However, Mr Johnson was still rated as ‘best PM’ by 39 per cent – well ahead of Sir Keir on 30 per cent.

Senior Tories dismissed reports that up to 14 MPs had submitted letters of no confidence in the PM to backbench shop steward Sir Graham Brady. A total of 54 letters is needed to trigger a leadership contest.

The premier suffered another blow as a Savanta ComRes poll suggested the chaos is cutting through to voters, with his net favourability score dropping to minus 14 and Labour in the overall lead