Theresa May's Brexit deal has been defeated by 230 votes - the biggest government defeat in history.

And now Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a motion of no confidence in the government.

The vote itself will be held today at 7pm following a debate in the Commons.

MPs will be asked to vote on a motion: "That this House has no confidence in Her Majesty's Government."

Image: A defeat for Theresa May is not a surefire outcome

There is no limit to the number of times Mr Corbyn can call a no-confidence vote, but it is unlikely that the leader of the opposition would have started a fight he did not think he could win.


But with the DUP saying they will stand by their agreement with the Tories, a defeat for Mrs May is not a surefire outcome.

If the government wins, the consequence is simple: Mrs May continues in office.

But, if she loses, all bets are off.

The government would fall and there would be a period of 14 days in which a new government can be formed. There are no rigid rules of what must happen during this fortnight period.

Mrs May, who has previously said she would not fight a 2022 election, could attempt to cling on and form a new administration.

She is safe from a vote of no confidence from her own party for another 12 months, after the ballot against her failed late last year.

Image: There is a chance the country could face another early general election

However, she may decide it is time to go and hand the reins over to someone else.

A new Conservative leader would then have the chance to form a government - as would opposition parties.

The current make-up of parliament means the Conservatives remain the only party with enough numbers to have a likely chance of controlling the Commons.

The new government is confirmed in office through passing a resolution in the Commons "that this House has confidence in Her Majesty's Government."

However, if no government is presented after 14 days, there would be another general election.

:: Follow and watch the confidence vote live with a special programme on Sky News from 6-9pm tonight