Speaking outside the meeting, he denied that it was a “coup” and said that it was not about his own ambition, adding: “I am no putting my name forward for leadership.”

He said that there was “swathes of talent” in the party, referencing Dominic Raab, David David, Esther Mcvey and Boris Johnson.

He did, however, say that he thinks the next Tory leader should be a Leave backer, unlike Mrs May.