‘Rogue’ MPs face locals after rebelling

belled against the Government on Jan 8, to back a Commons amendment which would limit the Government’s scope to make tax changes following a no-deal departure.

Sir Oliver has since helped to construct a mechanism to allow backbenchers to seize control of the Commons order paper in an attempt to force an extension of the Article 50 notice period under which the UK would otherwise leave the EU on March 29.

He insists the UK is not properly prepared for a no-deal Brexit and said he fears “serious short-term disruption” from a no-deal exit.

Sir Michael voted against Theresa May’s deal, saying it was the “worst of all worlds”. But, explaining his opposition to a no-deal outcome, he said: “I’ve always worried about no deal because of tariffs in the short term and disruption here in Kent.”

Paulette Furse, the chairman of Sir Michael’s Sevenoaks association, said: “It’s our job as Conservatives to pre-

‘I did my own survey and just over two thirds of our membership wanted to leave on WTO terms’

pare to go out on World Trade Organisation terms and stick to our manifesto of delivering Brexit.”

The West Dorset association is due to hold a special general meeting on Friday evening to give members an opportunity to question Sir Oliver.

An invitation from Chris Loder, Sir Oliver’s association chairman, was sent out to members on Jan 9, the day after the MP broke the Conservative whip to vote in favour of a cross-party amendment to the Finance Bill.

One member said: “There is a perception that he has gone rogue and turned up in the [pro-Remain MP] Anna Soubry camp and a lot of people are very surprised by that.”

Ms Furse said: “I did my own survey and just over two thirds of our membership wanted to leave on WTO terms.”

But, she continued: “I don’t want to speak against Michael Fallon. He could be, for all I know, voting for the good of us.”