We could back no confidence vote in PM say ‘Spartans’

SO-CALLED Spartan Tories yesterday threatened to side with Jeremy Corbyn in a vote of confidence against the Prime Minister.

Hardline Brexiteer Steve Baker said the prospect of joining Labour in voting against the Government was ‘on the table’ if Theresa May backed a softer Brexit.

Crispin Blunt signalled he may also vote against the Government, while Richard Drax, who voted for her deal last time, said he would reverse his decision.

All are members of the European Research Group of Brexiteers. Mr Baker, one of 28 members who like to call themselves Spartans after the fabled warriors of ancient Greece, warned his party could face the biggest split since the Corn Laws 173 years ago.

Labour leader Mr Corbyn forced a confidence vote in January but it was defeated by 19 votes. If the Government were to lose, it would have two weeks to regain MPs’ support or an election is triggered.

There has been speculation that hardline Brexiteers could vote no confidence in the Government to oust Mrs May, but then restore confidence days later under a new, interim Tory leader.

Asked if he would back a confidence vote, Mr Blunt said: ‘There’ll be some very difficult decisions.’