Pressure is on PM over sex scandals and Brexit bungles

of the next election. If we are to counter those who wish to frustrate that end, there are ways of underlining your resolve.

“We have heard it argued by some that we cannot start preparations on the basis of ‘No Deal’ because that would undermine our obligation of ‘sincere co-operation’ with the EU. If taken seriously, that would leave us over a barrel in 2021.”

No10 said they wouldn’t comment and neither did Johnson or Gove.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for May to “govern or go”. He said: “The Prime Minister must end the confusion, take on the ‘no-deal’ extremists in her Government and back a jobs first Brexit for Britain.”

Brexit secretary David Davis said he was “quite certain” May would remain in Downing Street throughout Brexit, comparing the “flurries” the Government are experiencing to Winston Churchill.

But SNP foreign affairs and Europe spokesman Stephen Gethins MP said May was now “Prime Minister only by title”. He added: “If it wasn’t clear before, it is now – Theresa May has lost all authority and credibility in Government.”