"Let parliament see the figures, and then MPs can weigh up just how bad the trajectory the country is on will be for our communities. it seems like a small amendment, but it could change everything."

The latest blow to the prime minister's authority came as Tory Brexiteers scrambled to secure enough signatures to trigger a vote of no confidence in her.

Despite claiming they would have reached the threshold of 48 by Monday night, the rebels appeared to still be short of support as their attempt to oust Ms May rapidly lost momentum.

But Ms May faced a further headache as the DUP, whose votes she relies on in Parliament, broke their agreement to back the government on key issues and abstained during several Finance Bill votes.

Eight of the party's ten MPs also backed a Labour amendment.

It raises urgent questions over the future of the pact between the DUP and the Tories just weeks before Parliament is excpted to hold the crunch vote on the prime minister's Brexit plan.

Ms May will need the DUP's support if her deal is to have any chance of passing the Commons.