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Jacob Rees-Mogg has submitted a letter calling for a no-confidence vote in Theresa May in a crushing blow to the Prime Minister.

The move is expected to trigger a slew of Tory Eurosceptic backbenchers handing in the letters that could force a leadership contest.

The confirmation comes just hours after the arch-Brexiteer issued a chilling threat to the Prime Minister over her Brexit deal.

In the key moment of his blunt statement, which brought the raucous House Of Commons to an awed silence, Rees-Mogg said: "As what my Right Honourable Friend says and what my Right Honourable Friend does no longer match, should I not write to [Graham Brady]?"

He told reporters "there’s absolutely no support for this deal" and Mrs May had “let us down” - before calling for a Prime Minister who "believes in Brexit”.

He publicly suggested David Davis, Dominic Raab, Boris Johnson, Esther McVey or Penny Mordaunt as the next Tory leader.

But his big moment was drowned out by a protester wearing a cape who screamed "stop Brexit!" and "save Britain!" into a megaphone.

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(Image: Dan Kitwood) (Image: Dan Bloom/Mirror)

Graham Brady is the chair of the 1922 Committee which collects letters of 'No Confidence' from Tory party members. If 15% of the party submits letters - 48 members - May will be forced to step down as Tory leader and Prime Minister.

The party and the Government is on a knife-edge after five ministers quit this morning over the deal including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey.

The number of letters has supposedly been around 40 for months - and Tory MPs say the 48 figure could be reached today.

However, a bid to oust her could actually strengthen her grip on the party.

Theresa May would retain her leadership if she could muster 150 MPs' to support her - and in that event, her detractors wouldn't then be able to challenge her leadership for another year.

Until now Mr Rees-Mogg has carefully supported Mrs May herself, despite slamming her policy.

But he was tipped over the edge after she agreed a 585-page Brexit deal with the EU - and forced it through her warring Cabinet.

As Mrs May responded to his challenge in the Commons, MPs loudly "oooed" and one shouted at Mr Rees-Mogg: "You're a disgrace!"

Last night Mrs May warned MPs must choose her Brexit - or no Brexit at all. She admitted there was an "impassioned debate" and "difficult days ahead".

Today she told MPs "I do not pretend that this has been a comfortable process". But they burst out laughing in the Commons as she claimed the deal will ensure a "smooth and orderly" Brexit.

(Image: PA) (Image: REUTERS)

Tory MPs have claimed she will face a leadership challenge as soon as today - and her own former chief of staff Nick Timothy branded the deal a "horror show".

Brexiteers and Remainers are both furious at the deal because it includes clauses that could keep the UK locked in Brussels' orbit - with no say on its rules.

A 'backstop' plan will kick in - if there is no deal to stop a hard border in Northern Ireland - extending EU customs rules across the whole of the UK.

This will stop the UK signing trade deals with other countries around the world.

Key points from UK's 611-page Brexit deal with EU The Brexit deal agreed by Theresa May and the EU covers two areas: the Withdrawal Agreement, covering the UK's exit from the EU, and the Political Declaration on a Future Framework, which sets out the relationship with the EU after Britain leaves. Key details on the Brexit deal include: 1. The Withdrawal Agreement The transition period can be extended until 2022 - after the next election

Goods face being checked between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK

A 'backstop' could extend EU customs rules UK-wide - and we'd need Brussels' permission to quit

European courts will still have a big hold on the UK 2. The Future Framework "Comprehensive arrangements that will create a free trade area" - not exactly the "frictionless trade" hoped for

Possible EU access to British fishing waters

We would remain tied to European courts

We'd respect human rights laws

Visas needed for long term trips to the EU

It has built in vagueness - kicking the can down the road for further negotiations Read about the deal in more depth here.

And not only does the backstop have no clear "end date", the UK would be stuck in it unless the EU gave its permission for us to quit.

The deal also forces some checks on goods travelling between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK - a red line for the DUP, who say it would break up the precious union.

MPs erupted in laughter earlier as Theresa May stood by her "smooth and orderly" deal - moments after it forced five ministers to resign.

There was laughter as she said that it would allow the UK to leave "in a smooth and orderly way" on March 29, 2019.

(Image: Jack Taylor)

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And MPs voiced disbelief as she insisted the 585-page agreement "is not the final deal" - because it must still go through EU leaders on November 25 and Parliament.

"The Brexit talks are about acting in the national interest - and that means making what I believe to be the right choices, not the easy ones," Mrs May said.

"I know there are some who have said I should simply rip-up the UK’s commitment to a backstop.

"But this would have been an entirely irresponsible course of action."

DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds blasted the Prime Minister to her face, telling the Commons: "She clearly doesn't listen".

He added: "£39billion has just been sent for nothing.

"We stand up for the whole of the United Kingdom... or we vote for a vassal state with the breakup of the United Kingdom."

Jeremy Corbyn confirmed Labour would vote the deal down, telling MPs: "This is not the deal the country was promised. Parliament cannot accept a false choice between this bad deal and no deal."