May woos Tory MPS with tours of Chequers

THERESA MAY is rallying Conservative MPS ahead of a major Brexit vote this autumn by inviting them for tours of Chequers, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.

Backbench Tories have been invited to the Prime Minister’s country residence in small groups for a “smart casual” gathering, which includes a guided tour. One MP who visited yesterday said around 20 MPS were given a talk about the history of Chequers, before enjoying drinks and canapés with Mrs May and her husband Philip.

The Prime Minister also held private chats with each member, following a turbulent few months after the party only narrowly won the right to continue running the country in the election.

Andrew Bridgen said he and colleagues were “very grateful” for the chance to look around. Mrs May was said to be in relaxed, off-duty mode and was determined to prove to MPS she is ready to hit the ground running. Another MP said she told colleagues “there is a job to be done and I am determined to get on with it” when asked about when the Government will start getting to grips with Brexit legislation.

Mrs May greeted MPS and their partners and led them through to the great hall of the 16th century manor house in Aylesbury, where the curator gave a talk about its history.

They were then given a map and invited to have a wander around, before enjoying drinks and canapés and later handmade chocolates.