More than half of grassroots Tory parties have been flooded with new members — many to oppose Theresa May’s plans for Brexit — according to a survey of constituency bosses by The Sunday Times.

A clear majority of seats held by cabinet ministers have seen an influx of Eurosceptic members, with the biggest rises in areas represented by “remain” supporters or those backing the prime minister’s Chequers plan, which hard-liners believe is a sell-out to Brussels.

This newspaper approached 275 constituency parties. Of the 75 that responded, 42 said they had seen recent increases in membership, with many noting a change since the Chequers agreement, in which May secured cabinet support for a plan that meant Britain would continue to accept EU rules on goods.