Defiant Boris Johnson rejects calls to step down, vows to "keep going"

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson battled to remain in office Wednesday, brushing off calls for his resignation after two top ministers and a slew of junior officials said they could no longer serve under his scandal-plagued leadership.

Johnson rejected demands that he step down during a stormy session of the House of Commons amid a furor over his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against a senior official. Later in the day, a delegation of some of his most trusted allies in the Cabinet paid a visit to the prime minister at 10 Downing Street to urge him to go, but he remained unmoved, Britain's Press Association reported.

The prime minister turned down suggestions he seek a "dignified exit" and opted instead to fight for his political career, citing "hugely important issues facing the country," according to the news agency. It cited a source close to Johnson as saying he told colleagues there would be "chaos" if he quit.