He also promised to offer new tax cuts, but did not specify what taxes or when.
There were new calls for the resignation of Mr. Johnson on Thursday, with warnings from two former Conservative leaders, Lord Howard and Lord Hague.
Lord Hague said the party was facing an electoral “disaster” and called on cabinet ministers to consider their positions.
Lord Howard said: “I think the party and even more importantly the country would be better off under a new leadership.”
However, a close ally of Mr Johnson told The Telegraph: “You will have to drag him by the nails.”
Following Dowden’s resignation, the prime minister spoke with a number of senior cabinet ministers and made sure he maintained his support, The Telegraph may reveal.
They include Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, Steve Barclay, his chief of staff, Dominic Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister, Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, and Liz Truss, the Secretary of State.
Mrs. Patel and Mr. Raab intervened to cover the morning broadcast round, which was to be led by Mr. Dowden.
It is understood that number 10 officials are confident that no more cabinet ministers are about to resign. But even so, it is understood that a long-planned remodeling has been delayed. It is now not expected until Parliament breaks the summer break on July 21st.
An ally told The Telegraph: “He needs time to work if he needs other changes and, if so, why and, if so, who. Realistically, we are in recess before ordering.”