5 Cabinet rebels turn up the heat

THERESA May was last night hit by a fresh

Brexit rebellion from within her own Cabinet.

The Prime Minister had initially appeared to be weathering the storm yesterday after the most torrid week of her premiership. There had been no further resignations, nor a triggering of a vote of no confidence. But she was then dealt a body blow after it emerged five pro-Brexit Cabinet ministers were plotting together on dramatic plans to gut her withdrawal agreement with the EU.

They propose rewriting the entire deal so that they can stay in the Government and support it.

The plotting Cabinet ministers were identified last night by Whitehall sources as Andrea Leadsom, who is leading the group, Liam

Fox, Chris Grayling,

Penny Mordaunt and

Michael Gove.

It is understood Mrs

May has been warned that if she does not accept their plan she could face another embarrassing mass walkout of Cabinet ministers. Any such move would probably prove too damaging for Mrs May to survive in Downing Street.

Meanwhile, the PM has played down suggestions she might seek to maintain Cabinet unity by offering ministers a free vote when the Brexit deal eventually comes before Parliament. International Development Secretary Ms Mordaunt has repeatedly demanded a free vote from Mrs May. But the Prime Minister rejected the calls.

She said in an interview yesterday:

“There is Cabinet collective responsibility in this country.”

Mrs May added: “Government policy is Government policy.” Chris Grayling Penny Mordaunt Andrea Leadsom Michael Gove Minister Liam Fox