Family and friends of Boris Johnson have claimed he will return to the political front line.

Johnson was said to be "a bit down" last night, believing that he had been unjustly sacked by Michael Howard following allegations of an extra-marital affair.

Theresa May, the shadow minister for the family, said Howard had "done the right thing".

However, Nicholas Soames, the defence spokesman, told Sky: "I am very sad and sorry for Boris. It is a very bad moment.

"Boris's political days are not over. He will dust himself down and crack on."

Last night Johnson told reporters to "bog off", and, when asked how he was feeling, replied: "Tremendous, little short of superb, on cracking form."

The Guardian claims Johnson was about to resign but refused when confronted by Howard.