Tory minister and four MPS poised to defect

Speculation Conservatives could jump ship to join breakaway Labour MPS in new Independent Group

A TORY minister and four backbenchers appear poised to defect to the new Independent Group set up by breakaway Labour MPS, it has been claimed. Describing the group as “remarkably sensible people”, the minister told The Daily Telegraph he was prepared to join the new party if the Government pressed ahead with a no-deal Brexit.

It came as Anna Soubry sparked speculation she was preparing to jump ship after removing a Conservative party slogan from her Twitter profile.

The Tory Remainer removed all reference to her party, referring to herself simply as “MP for Broxtowe”, having previously described herself as a “lifelong One Nation Tory”.

The title echoes the wording used by the seven former Labour MPS. As recently as Sunday, Ms Soubry retweeted comments from Chuka Umunna, although she was uncharacteristically si- lent on social media yesterday.

Fellow Tory Remainers Sarah Wol- laston and Heidi Allen are also considered highly likely to defect, having campaigned for a second referendum alongside Mr Umunna and Luciana Berger, another of the “Gang of Seven”.

Nick Boles, the former skills minister, also refused to rule out a defection amid mounting speculation that further resignations could follow the next meaningful vote on Wednesday Feb 27.

Theresa May was yesterday warned by four Cabinet ministers that she faces the threat of up to 22 pro-european ministers and members of the Government throwing in the towel unless she provides more reassurances on no deal.

The Prime Minister was met by a delegation of Amber Rudd, the Work and Pensions Secretary; David Gauke, the Justice Secretary; Greg Clark, the Business Secretary; and David Mundell, the Scotland Secretary.

They are understood to have told her that she should say publicly she is willing to extend Article 50 to avoid resignations. Ministers are threatening to rebel so they can support a backbench Bill to force the Government to request an extension if a deal is not reached. Ms Allen published an article in House, the parliamentary magazine, co-written with Thangam Debbonaire, the Labour MP, and Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrat, calling for “a more cooperative, co-productive” politics.

Dr Wollaston also appeared amenable to cross-party working after praising Peter Kyle, the Labour MP, for “talking complete sense” by calling for a “confirmatory referendum” on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4.

Mr Boles said on Twitter that he understood why the MPS had left Labour, adding he was “focused on working with MPS of all parties” to stop no deal.