Tory Brexit rebel Sir Oliver to stand down at election

SIR OLIVER LETWIN, the Tory grandee and vocal opponent of no deal, is to stand down as an MP at the next election, his office has confirmed.

The MP for West Dorset was behind a series of cross-party moves to block a no-deal departure from the EU this year and was critical of Theresa May’s government, saying not enough was done to prepare for the eventuality.

Sir Oliver, a former minister, has also been involved in cross-party talks behind the scenes to prevent departure without a deal on Oct 31.

Earlier this week, Sir Oliver told the

Today programme on BBC Radio 4 that he had not ruled out supporting a confidence motion to bring down the Tory government, but added that he could not support any action that would lead to Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, becoming prime minister.

Sir Oliver was first elected in 1997 and served under David Cameron as minister for state and government policy, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. His office said it would not be adding any further comment.