Conservative MP Dominic Grieve is facing a deselection battle over his anti-Brexit views after local activists in his Beaconsfield constituency told him to apply for readoption as their parliamentary candidate.

The decision was made at a special general meeting of the local Conservative Association on Friday evening, at which the former attorney general made what was described as an “impassioned” speech defending his stance on EU withdrawal.

Mr Grieve has been a key figure in ensuring parliamentary scrutiny of Theresa May’s EU withdrawal agreement, tabling a series of amendments designed to ensure that the prime minister’s plans were subjected to meaningful votes in the House of Commons.

He backs a Final Say referendum on any Brexit deal and has indicated he could quit the Tories if Boris Johnson becomes leader.

Who is standing to be the next prime minister? Show all 3 1 /3 Who is standing to be the next prime minister? Who is standing to be the next prime minister? Boris Johnson - 157 votes Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson arriving in Downing Street, London, for a Cabinet meeting where Theresa May will brief on her plans for Brexit before a major speech aimed at helping to break the deadlock in the negotiations with Brussels. PA Who is standing to be the next prime minister? Michael Gove - 61 votes LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Britain's Environment Secretary Michael Gove leaves 10 Downing Street on June 7, 2018 in London, England. Prime Minister Theresa May is holding an emergency Brexit cabinet meeting in an attempt to resolve tensions over the UK's Irish border plan. (Photo by Simon Dawson/Getty Images) Getty Who is standing to be the next prime minister? Jeremy Hunt - 59 votes Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt leaving Downing Street, London, after attending a Cabinet meeting. PA

Mr Grieve lost a no-confidence vote in his Buckinghamshire constituency by 182 votes to 131 in March, saying at the time that he appeared to be the victim of “an orchestrated and organised campaign” by Brexiteers.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the chairman of the Beaconsfield Constituency Conservative Association, Jackson Ng, said: “I understand that there are feelings of disappointment, anger and frustration from many of our membership.

“Therefore, following this evening’s special general meeting and on behalf of our executive council, I have immediately written to our MP Dominic Grieve QC to formally request that he now submits a written application to us to seek his re-adoption as our parliamentary candidate for the next general election expected in 2022.”

Local Tory member Dylan Kenny said in a tweet: “It was heartening that everyone spoke respectfully and with dignity. Dominic made an impassioned and highly intelligent speech. I am glad there was no animosity and the association should be proud of the conduct of this evening’s discourse.”