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Image source, PA Media
Boris Johnson has fired Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove from his cabinet.
The prime minister rang Mr Gove in the last 15 minutes to tell him he was sacked.
It comes amid reports he was among a number of cabinet ministers urging Mr Johnson to resign.
A Number 10 source has said: "You can't have a snake who is not with you on any of the big arguments who then gleefully tells the press the leader has to go."
Mr Johnson is defying calls to resign, as he attempts to face down a growing mutiny among his cabinet.
He told senior MPs on the Commons Liaison Committee it would not be right for him to "walk away" amid economic pressures and the war in Ukraine.
And a Downing Street source rejected speculation the PM would announce his resignation in Downing Street later.
Among those who have talked to the PM is Home Secretary Priti Patel, a former close ally, as well as Chief Whip Chris Heaton-Harris, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, and Welsh Secretary Simon Hart.
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