Dozens of MPs rallied behind the PM following calls from ex-cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke for the party to change leader for the fifth time.
Business minister Kevin Hollinrake described the latest instalment of Tory civil war as “panic”.
He told Times Radio: “Of course, some people panic at a difficult time.
“This is not the overwhelming view of the party.”
Mr Hollinrake added: “I think he’s totally inaccurate on this.
“That’s his view but I think he is totally wrong.”
Backbenchers went way further, hitting out at Simon Clarke for being “self indulgent” and “throwing his teddies in the corner”.
Former Cabinet Minister Liam Fox said: “This is not the time for self indulgence and tribalism in the party.
“Those who have an agenda to destabilise the government in an election year should understand the consequences.”
Last night The Sun was first to reveal that ex-Levelling Up Secretary Sir Simon Clarke was calling for Mr Sunak to quit.
The top Tory went public with the demand for a new PM after the Government slumped to just 20 per cent in one survey.
Sir Simon – one of Liz Truss‘ key backers – said it was “devastatingly obvious” the Tories are heading for defeat.
Writing in The Telegraph, he said: “The unvarnished truth is that Rishi Sunak is leading the Conservatives into an election where we will be massacred.
“Denial of impending catastrophe is an extraordinarily powerful human instinct.”
The plea triggered a cacophony of condemnation from Tory ex-ministers and MPs both close to the PM and not naturally allied to him.
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “My colleague Sir Simon Clarke MP is wrong.
“Division and another PM would lead to the certain loss of power. We need to focus on delivering for the public not divisive rowing.”
Veteran Tory MP David Davis said: “This is getting silly. The Party and the country are sick and tired of MPs putting their own leadership ambitions ahead of the UK’s best interests.”
A Senior Tory spokesman added: “This is a self-indulgent attempt to undermine the government at a critical moment for the country.
“He may claim to be helping the party but the only person he is doing any favours for is Sir Keir Starmer.”
On the main Tory MP WhatsApp group allies of the PM did not hold back as they rushed to his defence.
Paul Holmes said: “This weekend I went out canvassing and it was the worst weekend I’ve had. Why? Because OUR VOTERS were saying they were fed up with us being divided and talking to ourselves. Stop it.”
Mr Sunak is set to face questions about the latest round of Tory infighting at a dramatic sitting of PMQs this afternoon.
Opposition parties last night reacted gleefully tonight to more Tory infighting.
Labour’s Pat McFadden said: “Labour will focus on serving the British people whilst the Tories form another circular firing squad.”
The Lib Dems said: “It is utterly ludicrous that the Conservative Party is even discussing installing a fourth Prime Minister without even giving voters a say.”