Theresa May has imposed a formal cabinet government on her colleagues and has been prepared to clash with ministers in the early weeks of her premiership ANDY RAIN/EPA

Theresa May has been accused of “control freakery” after banishing the sofa government and “chillaxing” of David Cameron’s regime as she tightens her grip across Whitehall.

The prime minister has imposed a formal cabinet government on her colleagues and has been prepared to clash with ministers in the early weeks of her premiership, according to several senior sources who have spoken to The Times. She has insisted on chairing the three main cabinet committees — on Europe, social reform and industrial policy — as well as the National Security Council as she adopts an increasingly hands-on style.

Her close aides have also caused friction. Fiona Hill, the prime minister’s joint chief of staff, is said to have sent “sweary texts” and had “slanging matches” with…