PM was warned not to trust Williamson

Theresa May’s aides warned her that Gavin Williamson, the former defence secretary sacked by the Prime Minister, was plotting against her at the start of her premiership, it has been reported.

Mrs May was told that the then- Chief Whip had called her a “charisma-free b****”, prompting the Prime Minister to offer the uncharacteristic reply that Mr Williamson was “my b**** now”.

In a challenge to her leadership from the backbenches, Mr Williamson said at the weekend that Brexit talks were a “grave mistake”. He insists he was not the source of a national security leak that resulted in his sacking, and denies criticising the Prime Minister while serving in government.

Mr Williamson is understood to be considering making a resignation statement in the Commons that could further undermine Mrs May.

It comes amid reports that ministers expect the Prime Minister’ s husband, Philip May, to step in and ask his wife to quit rather than face the humiliation of a no confidence vote by Tory local party chairmen, scheduled for 15 June.

Theresa May was warned against Gavin Williamson