“I’ve listened carefully to the Prime Minister today, the Boris Johnson we love and who has delivered,” Mr Sambrook tweeted, adding that Mr Johnson had his support. 

One fellow Tory said that whenever they had seen Mr Sambrook in recent weeks he had a member of Mr Johnson’s unofficial whipping operation by his side – a reflection of how effective the lobbying drive proved.

The WhatsApp group for the 2019 intake, originally mistakenly called the “109 Group” after a miscount of the 107 new Tory MPs, has recently been flooded with sycophantic messages of support for the Prime Minster, according to one member.

Many of the 2019 intake won “Red Wall” seats which had been Labour heartlands in the Midlands and the North East, but that brings a curious dichotomy. They owe their seats to Mr Johnson, whose “Get Brexit Done” message won over Labour waverers, but often have tiny majorities, meaning they are sensitive to opinion poll drops that incentivise removing him.

The danger is far from over. Many of the rebels, called the “pork pie plotters” because a meeting to discuss Mr Johnson’s fate was hosted by the MP whose constituency includes Melton Mowbray, still want him out.

“He is finished,” one such MP told The Telegraph, before speculating about which of the other Cabinet ministers showing political ankle would be best placed to take the prize.

Another bemoaned those backing Mr Johnson, saying: “Frankly, some of the sycophants who have been trying to go out there and bat for the PM have probably actually been not exactly helping the situation. I think they have made a fool of themselves.”

There is plenty of road left to run. Mr Johnson must navigate the police fines expected to drop – potentially including himself – and get through the May local elections unscathed while delivering on his much-touted pivot to the Right.

With promises of red meat and a space in the tent, the “wolf children” appear largely on side – at least for now.