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Boris Johnson avoided the humiliation of outright defeat but rebels racked up big numbers in the secret ballot, raising fears that the Tories will be torn to pieces by a civil war.
Traditional shire Tories, dubbed the 'red trouser' brigade lined up to vote against the Prime Minister But there were also rebels among the Red Wall MPs, younger more socially diverse politicians.
Ex-minister Jesse Norman penned an excoriating letter to the Prime Minister this morning in which he accused Mr Johnson's Government of lacking 'a sense of mission'.
John Penrose is the husband of Dido Harding
DHSC and UKHSA say all government protocols were followed in making the appointments