Boris Johnson has denied he was discussing whether to run to be Conservative leader with Sir Michael Fallon, a key Cabinet ally of Theresa May over a pint in a Kent pub.

Mr Johnson, the Foreign secretary, was spotted having a drink with Sir Michael, the Defence secretary, at the Bricklayers’ Arms in Chipstead, Kent on Saturday evening.

The meeting on Saturday came as speculation swirled around the Prime Minister’s chances of continuing as Tory leader after she failed to win a majority at the general election and criticism for her handling of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.