Tory MPs who have put themselves forward for the leadership despite having no realistic prospect of success are “self-serving”, an ally of Boris Johnson has said.

Johnny Mercer said that the leadership contest, which already has 12 candidates, looks “ridiculous” and resembles a “skit”.

On Monday the officers of the 1922 committee will meet to discuss changing the rules so that any candidates need the backing of 12 Tory MPs to stand.

Mr Mercer said: “The lack of self-awareness is absolutely incredible. It is ridiculous. One candidate told me he was standing because his Tweets were favourited much more than the front-runners.

“One told me he was standing because his association thought he should stand. I would say that the current lack of self-awareness among colleagues is a good indicator of precisely how far we have removed ourselves from our activists and our base.

“I don't think they sit down and think this is about self-promotion, I don't think their political antennae is in tune enough with the country. They have misjudged the mood of the country.”

Nigel Evans, joint executive secretary of the 1922 committee of backbench Tory MPs, said: “Perish the thought, but there is a view that some people are just taking the mickey and just using it as a device to get jobs in Cabinet.”