The Justice Secretary, David Gauke, has survived a vote of no confidence by his local Conservative association in his South West Hertfordshire constituency.

The motion accused Mr Gauke of “wilful obstruction” towards implementing the 2016 EU referendum result by opposing a no-deal exit. Mr Gauke remains an opponent of a no-deal Brexit.

The victorious MP tweeted his thanks to members, who voted two-to-one against the motion, which had the backing of pro-Brexit campaign group Leave.EU.

He said: "Tonight, I argued that: We should not allow the Party to be taken over by entryists. We should be a broad church. No deal would be immensely damaging to the UK.

"I defeated a motion of no confidence 123 to 61. I am grateful to the members of my association for their support."