Johnson holds out as grip on power slips

Despite wave of resignations, British PM insists he will 'deliver' on mandate

Boris Johnson on Wednesday refused to quit as British prime minister despite a slew of resignations from his scandal-hit government, piling on pressure as he faced a grilling from angry MPs.

At least 21 resignations have been submitted since Tuesday evening, Sky News reported.

The 58-year-old leader promised to "deliver" on his "mandate" but his grip on power appears to be slipping following 10 short minutes on Tuesday night, when Rishi Sunak resigned as finance minister and Sajid Javid quit as health secretary.