What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A dozen top Tories are reportedly ready to quit if the Government refuses to bring forward a cap on betting stakes for ‘crack cocaine’ betting machines.

Some 12 Parliamentary Private Secretaries - who work for ministers and are not allowed oppose government policy - have written to Tory chief whip Julian Smith urging him to rethink the government’s plans.

And former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith says they're ready to "consider their positions" if ministers won't budge.

And it’s thought as many as 50 more MPs are ready to rebel against the government if they don’t.

Theresa May is under mounting pressure to bring forward £2 maximum stakes on fixed odds betting terminals.

Campaigners believed the curb on the “crack cocaine of gambling”, slashing maximum stakes from £100, would take effect from April.

(Image: X90073)

But Chancellor Philip Hammond dashed the hope in last month’s Budget, delaying the introduction until October.

The move triggered the resignation of Sports Minister Tracey Crouch - and the Government faces a backbench rebellion tomorrow when MPs vote on a bid to force ministers bring it in from April.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and ex-Brexit Secretary David Davis are among high-profile Conservatives set to support bringing forward the reduction.

Speaking to reporters today, Mr Duncan Smith did not comment on the figure of 12, but confirmed: "They are writing ... to say they agree completely with the amendments and if there's nothing done on it they might have to reconsider their position.

"Listen, by the time the end of the week... most of the Conservative Party is going to be on that amendment.

"So I think I've got enough maths to figure that one out. And the DUP."

He added: "I was just on my way to the whip's office to tell them 'you either offer it to me or we take it.'

"No two ways about this, by the end of this Finance Bill we will have that date, one way or the other."