And private polling reveals only Mr Johnson has the ability to secure a General Election victory by reaching out to swing voters across the country. The outspoken Brexit campaigner has already been backed by Culture Secretary John Whittingdale and Environment Secretary Liz Truss.
Dominic Raab, the Justice Minister, and Farming Minister George Eustice have also thrown their weight behind Mr Johnson's leadership bid. Mr Johnson, who once said he was more likely to be "reincarnated as an olive" than become Prime Minister, is expected to declare later today.
Ms Truss last night came out in favour of Mr Johnson, saying: "This leadership must now come from someone who believes in, and campaigned for, leaving the EU. "He articulated a vision of a prosperous, modern, liberal Britain outside the EU. It is a vision which resonated with the public and which we must unite to deliver."
And Mr Johnson's father Stanley, who backed Remain in the referendum campaign, said his son had his "full support" in the leadership fight.
He said: "I want to make it clear that although we campaigned on opposite sides during the referendum Boris has my full support.
"Boris is a proven winner in a Labour leaning city, a superb communicator, someone who reaches across the political divide."
It comes as an opinion poll shows he is the only Tory hopeful with enough public support to ensure the Conservatives win the next election.
His spin doctor is likely to be Sir Lynton Crosby, who he worked with in the run-up to 2008 and 2012 London mayoral elections.
Mr Johnson was spotted meeting Sir Lynton for breakfast near his London office yesterday morning, according to reports.
His closest challenger is expected to be Theresa May, while Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb has also thrown his hat into the ring.
Other possible contenders include Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan and Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom.
Ms Morgan said the Tories had to make the "positive case" for immigration.
She said: "We have a proud tradition of giving refuge to people and inviting people over to work and man our essential services.
“If you come across an immigrant in the NHS, they are more likely to be treating you than in front of you in the queue."
Dominic Raab, the Justice Minister, and Farming Minister George Eustice have also thrown their weight behind Mr Johnson's leadership bid. Mr Johnson, who once said he was more likely to be "reincarnated as an olive" than become Prime Minister, is expected to declare later today.
Ms Truss last night came out in favour of Mr Johnson, saying: "This leadership must now come from someone who believes in, and campaigned for, leaving the EU. "He articulated a vision of a prosperous, modern, liberal Britain outside the EU. It is a vision which resonated with the public and which we must unite to deliver."
And Mr Johnson's father Stanley, who backed Remain in the referendum campaign, said his son had his "full support" in the leadership fight.
He said: "I want to make it clear that although we campaigned on opposite sides during the referendum Boris has my full support.
"Boris is a proven winner in a Labour leaning city, a superb communicator, someone who reaches across the political divide."
It comes as an opinion poll shows he is the only Tory hopeful with enough public support to ensure the Conservatives win the next election.
His spin doctor is likely to be Sir Lynton Crosby, who he worked with in the run-up to 2008 and 2012 London mayoral elections.
Mr Johnson was spotted meeting Sir Lynton for breakfast near his London office yesterday morning, according to reports.
His closest challenger is expected to be Theresa May, while Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb has also thrown his hat into the ring.
Other possible contenders include Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan and Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom.
Ms Morgan said the Tories had to make the "positive case" for immigration.
She said: "We have a proud tradition of giving refuge to people and inviting people over to work and man our essential services.
“If you come across an immigrant in the NHS, they are more likely to be treating you than in front of you in the queue."
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