Conservative Rishi Sunak's critics warn he has six weeks to turn things around as prime minister

Rishi Sunak is being called to step down as leader. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

Rishi Sunak's Tory critics warn him The party has six weeks to improve the party's electoral performance or face more Tory MPs going public with their dissatisfaction.

Two by-elections on February 15 and a budget on March 6 are planned by critics of the Conservative prime minister. as the next two key tests for his leadership.

The loss of the Tory-held seats of Wellingborough and Kingswood, and then the failure to placate detractors with corresponding tax cuts in the Budget, is likely to result in even more disgruntled Tory MPs will be called for to change.

Sir Simon Clarke faced harsh public criticism from colleagues as he became the second Tory MP to demand Sunak resign as leader in an article in The Telegraph.

Sir Simon was ridiculed as 'easy', 'overconfident' . condescending, «selfish» and «stupid» over his warning that Mr Sunak is now the «anchor» of the party's fortunes.

Downing Street figures were outraged by the attack and described Sir Simon as a lonely voice person.

Dame Andrea Jenkins is the only Conservative MP to publicly call for Sunak to quit.

Sir Simon is also not expected to appear at the podium next month at the launch of the new Popular Conservatism group with Liz Truss, the former prime minister.

But privately some Tory MPs are frustrated by how Their party trails Labor by around 20 percentage points in the polls, more than a year after Mr Sunak became leader, were more sympathetic.

One told The Telegraph: “The by-election is important . If there are widgets there, people will be even more scared.

“The budget is also important because if there is a positive budget, it will improve his situation. But if the dial doesn't change, that's a problem.»

The importance of these two dates was echoed by other Tories. One figure who had advance knowledge of Sir Simon's provocative article said: «This was about starting a debate, not a coup.»

«The conversation will now take place in public, not private.» . We'll see what happens in the next six to seven weeks.»