A Brexiteer Cabinet minister has called for a clearing out of Number 10 to replace any advisers still harbouring doubts over Britain leaving the European Union.

Liam Fox, the Secretary of State for International Trade, says the “opportunity” offered by Brexit can only be seized if those officials who are sceptical of its chances of success are removed from Downing Street.

Writing for The Telegraph, Dr Fox said Theresa May's successor should surround themselves with people who are not scared of cutting ties with the EU.

He says: “There are some potential benefits [of Mrs May's departure]. One of the most significant will be to clear out Number 10 so that the PM’s advisers do not see Brexit as a problem to be solved but an opportunity to be grasped.

“It will be key to ensuring that we do not see the priority as being keeping as much of the EU as possible rather than deciding what best suits Britain’s long-term interests.”

Individuals such as Olly Robbins, Mrs May's Europe adviser, and Gavin Barwell, her chief of staff, have come in for particular criticism from Brexiteers in the Conservative Party.

Ian Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, earlier this month said Mr Robbins and his team “couldn’t negotiate their way out of a paper bag”, while Mr Barwell has previously been accused of talking up the prospect of a second referendum.