The Cabinet players who will make or break the PM’S plan

ESTHER MCVEY

Ominously silent since Chequers was unveiled. No 10 hopes Universal Credit support offered to Mcvey may now be repaid.

JEREMY HUNT

As potential leader, he may be nervous of backing deal without the support of backbench MPS and the Tory grassroots.

GEOFFREY COX

As a loyalist and intimately involved in negotiations, he is unlikely to resign. His advice to Cabinet on the consequences of the deal will be crucial in whether it is backed.

ANDREA LEADSOM Long-term

Chequers concerns. Warned MPS would reject any deal which prevented UK from unilaterally leaving customs union.

DOMINIC RAAB

Sceptical about the Irish backstop. Reportedly said no-deal would be the best if a unilateral exit mechanism can’t be secured.

LIZ TRUSS

Has fully embraced the opportunities opened up by Brexit. Resigning out of principle would do much to boost her profile among the grassroots.

SAJID JAVID

The Home Secretary is likely to welcome parts of the deal, on the grounds that it paves the way for the immigration reforms he has been calling for.

MICHAEL GOVE

Having backed Chequers in July, Number 10 hopes he will not now jump ship, though he has demanded full legal advice be available to the Cabinet.

PENNY MORDAUNT

For months has refused to endorse or criticise Mrs May’s deal in public, but as concerns have grown has taken an increasingly strident tone.

DAVID MUNDELL

On ‘resignation watch’, having warned of disaster of delaying withdrawal from the Commons Fisheries Policy.