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The battle to lead one of the Commons’ most powerful committees intensified today as Remain supporter Nicky Morgan secured backing from key Brexiteer Michael Gove.

Support from the new Environment Secretary is considered a major coup for Ms Morgan. She is hoping to be elected chair of the Treasury Select Committee, one of the most prestigious offices MPs can hold outside government.

Staunch Remainer and former chancellor Ken Clarke is also said to be backing Ms Morgan, as are Labour MPs.

However, dozens of Tory backbenchers are rallying around hard-Brexit challenger Jacob Rees-Mogg.

A source close to Ms Morgan said: “Nicky knows that the chair of such an important committee needs to listen to all views across their own party and Parliament. Securing the backing of senior MPs on different sides of the EU debate is important as well as support from the opposition benches and that’s what she is determined to do.”

There is speculation that Mr Gove’s endorsement of Ms Morgan is a sign of thanks after she backed his short-lived leadership bid in 2016.

Labour MP Wes Streeting said: “As a former Treasury minister and Cabinet minister, there’s no doubt that Nicky Morgan has the experience to do the job, but she’s also shown the degree of independent-mindedness and willingness to work across party lines that is necessary for such a role.”