Will wobbly Williamson switch sides?

THE Defence Secretary could be persuaded to change sides and back modified plans by Theresa May for a customs partnership with the EU, sources said yesterday.

Gavin Williamson opposed the scheme when the PM’s Brexit ‘war cabinet’ met last week.

But he could now review his decision if the PM comes back to the table with a revamped model, insiders revealed. He is not firmly on either side, they added. However, those close to Mr Williamson would not be drawn yesterday on what position he will take and said he would do what is in the ‘best interests of the country’.

Mrs May has been repeatedly urged by Brexiteers to abandon the customs partnership option, which critics say would keep the UK shackled to EU rules. There are claims she is now planning to make a fresh attempt to push the controversial plan for Britain’s post-Brexit customs ties with Brussels. She is expected to present a ‘tweaked and rebadged’ version of the same proposal at a meeting on Thursday.

Tory Eurosceptics fear Mr Williamson, who voted Remain but has switched to the Eurosceptic camp, could be ‘peeled off’ by Mrs May.

A spokesman for Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who also opposed the customs arrangement, declined to say if he would change sides.