Prime Minister opposed by as many as 17 rebel Tory MPS

BORIS JOHNSON faces an uphill battle to head off legislation to thwart a no deal next week, with as many as 17 Tory rebels signalling their backing or expressing concerns at his move to prorogue Parliament.

With the Prime Minister facing a legislative move by Sir Oliver Letwin backed by Philip Hammond to extend Article 50, David Gauke said that next week appeared to be the only opportunity for Parliament to maintain control over the Brexit process.

Rory Stewart said he will back a compromise to prevent a no-deal Brexit, but will not vote against the Government in any subsequent no confidence vote. At least three Tory MPS have, however, indicated they could vote down the Government. Kenneth Clarke said he would support Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister if it was “the only way” to stop a nodeal Brexit.

Dominic Grieve said: “I would wish if at all possible to avoid bringing down a Conservative government on a vote of no confidence, but if that is what it ultimately took I would be willing to do it.”

Guto Bebb said it was clear that MPS’ loyalty was to the party’s long term values, “not to the man who leads the party at this time. I will be using my vote in Parliament next week to do that.”

Other potential rebels include Margot James, David Lidington, Richard Harrington, Stephen Hammond, Jonathan Djanogly, Justine Greening, Philip Lee, Antoinette Sandbach and Alex Chalk.