Boris Johnson offered to withdraw from the Tory leadership contest if Theresa May promised to stand down as Prime Minister before the 2020 election, it has been reported. A supporter of Mr Johnson, who was considered the race frontrunner until he pulled out yesterday, is said to have approached one of Mrs May's aides with the idea, according to The Times . A source close to the Home Secretary told the newspaper she had immediately dismissed the proposal. Sources close to Mr Johnson said he had never offered Mrs May such a deal. The claims have emerged following a day of extraordinary bitterness, in which Michael Gove knifed Mr Johnson in the back – ending the former London Mayor’s dream of becoming Prime Minister. +6 +6 A supporter of Boris Johnson, who was considered the race front runner until he pulled out yesterday (pictured left), is said to have approached one of Theresa May's aides with the idea. Pictured right, Mrs May yesterday