Sajid Javid wanted lockdown measures over Christmas and mandatory Covid vaccines for employees, it has emerged amid backlash over his speech condemning Boris Johnson.
The Prime Minister’s allies have hit back at the former health secretary after he chose to make a “personal statement” in the Commons following his resignation on Tuesday.
Mr Javid used the speech to publicly question Mr Johnson’s integrity and draw attention to his own leadership credentials ahead of an expected leadership bid.
However, MPs said that the speech would turn off potential backers in the contest, who could feel his decision to speak in the Commons about his reasons for resigning was disloyal.
Separately, The Telegraph can reveal that Mr Javid pushed for greater Covid restrictions over Christmas in 2021, amid rising cases of the omicron variant.
Two sources said that he had urged Mr Johnson to close public spaces such as shops and hospitality to avoid the spread of the virus.
However, Downing Street chose to run a “Plan B” package of measures instead, which mandated face masks, required Covid passports in some settings and encouraged working from home.
Read More: Sajid Javid pushed for Christmas lockdown and mandatory Covid vaccines