Theresa May’s allies were engaged in a desperate battle to shore up her position on Saturday night, as Tory MPs examined ways to end her premiership. Cabinet ministers on both sides of the Brexit debate made clear they were ready to quit if necessary, with some believing May will have to resign this week if she shifts towards a soft Brexit.
Conservative insiders described the party’s atmosphere as “end of days”, while May remained at her Chequers retreat for crisis talks. Former policy adviser George Freeman said: “I’m afraid it’s all over for the PM. She’s done her best. But across the country you can see the anger.” Downing Street warned that forcing May out would “tip the country into a general election and tear the party apart”.
Pro-Remain ministers will not tolerate a no-deal Brexit, but some pro-Brexit ministers said May could only stay if she backed no-deal. “It is being said that the only way she could stay on as prime minister is if she backed no-deal,” said a cabinet source. Meanwhile, senior ministers warned that toppling May now would unleash a “toxic” leadership fight. “It is much better that one person is held responsible for all this mess,” one said.
There is growing expectation that Downing Street will try to delay the next meaningful vote, as May faces a third defeat that could force her resignation. Plans for indicative votes on Brexit options, led by ex-cabinet minister Oliver Letwin, are expected to pass. Some Tory MPs, exasperated with May’s leadership, want to change party rules to allow another confidence vote. Former minister James Duddridge tweeted: “Conservative MPs could have an indicative vote of no confidence in the PM.”
Requests for May to quit have been relayed by Sir Graham Brady and the chief whip, but the decision has been taken to “face down” the calls. One government insider said there is concern that May’s deal could be defeated by an even larger margin than before.
