March comes almost a week after a million protestors descended on London for a Put It To The People rally

Police are on standby throughout Westminster and one man has been arrested for assaulting an officer

PM's deal was defeated by a majority of 58 with EU Commission now saying April 12 no-deal 'most likely'


Pro-Brexit demonstrators descended on Downing Street after tens of thousands marched to Parliament Square furious over the 'Brexit betrayal' of Theresa May's latest EU Commons defeat.

Police lined the security gates in Whitehall and parliamentary staff were sent home early over fears the huge crowds could turn violent. At least five people have been arrested at the protest so far.

In a face-off with protestors who sang 'oh Tommy, Tommy, Tommy Robinson', police flanked the entrance to No10 as several shouted 'we want our country back' and 'we want Brexit' before turning on a television crew.

Labour MP Lisa Nandy claimed she and her colleagues had been 'accosted and called f***ing traitors' by protestors as they arrived to vote and said there were 'armed police everywhere'.

Cheers rang out around Parliament Square as the Prime Minister's latest bid to get a withdrawal agreement through the Commons was lost by 58 votes this afternoon.

Others remained furious at the Government's handling of Britain's exit from the EU, with some waving signs that read: 'Parliament v the people'.

Demonstrators from as many as 13 protest groups marched to Whitehall on the day Britain was due to leave the European Union, with the EU Commission now claiming a no-deal exit on April 12 is the 'most likely scenario'.

Nigel Farage was among those who addressed the crowds of March To Leave demonstrators who arrived in the capital today after making the 14-day trip from Sunderland.

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Police officers lined up outside the Downing Street security gates this evening as pro-Brexit demonstrations continued

Tensions are high during today's pro-Brexit rally in central London, with one police officer clashing with a demonstrator (pictured)

One pro-Brexit protestor, draped in the English and British flags, carried a cardboard coffin labelled 'democracy'

Extreme Brexit supporters were seen burning the European Union flag near Trafalgar Square

In a face-off with protestors who sang 'oh Tommy, Tommy, Tommy Robinson', police flanked the entrance to No10 as several shouted 'we want our country back'

Brexit protestors moved to Downing Street this evening after rallies in Parliament Square this afternoon. One man is pictured confronting officers outside the security gates

Demonstrators were seen clashing with police in Parliament Square as they waved the England and British flags above

One demonstrator is pictured being taken away by police officers after night fell in Westminster. Protestors moved to Downing Street after speeches by prominent Brexiteers in Parliament Square

Tens of thousands of 'betrayed' Brexiteers descended on London as they celebrated Theresa May's latest EU defeat

Extreme Brexiteers were seen proudly holding the burning EU flag aloft while others took photos near Trafalgar Square

Some demonstrators clutched pitchforks as they listened to speeches by pro-Leave figures including Tommy Robinson, Nigel Farage and Wetherspoon's Tim Martin

A man is pictured being taken away by police officers near Parliament Square after mass Brexit protests today

Aerial images of London's Parliament Square show the scale of the protest, which came a week after the Put It To The People march when remainers demanded another vote on Brexit

Crowds cheer as ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage tells crowds: 'Frankly, I believe that what's happened over there, has not just turned this day that should've been one of great celebration into a day that history will mark as a day of great betrayal, I believe that what's happened over the course of two years is actually one of the saddest and worst chapters in the history of our nation.'

The former UKIP leader was spotted arriving at the Brexit Betrayal Bash at Millbank Tower near the Tate Britain in London this evening

This evening the former UKIP leader was spotted arriving at the Brexit Betrayal Bash at Millbank Tower near the Tate Britain in London.

Police were stationed across Westminster to deal with the overwhelming crowds, with one man arrested for assaulting a police officer.

A Met Police spokesman said: 'As of 21:00hrs five arrests have been made at the demonstrations in central #London today: x2 for assault, x1 drunk & disorderly, x1 for assaulting a police officer & x1 male arrested after being identified as wanted for an offence in Herts. All are in custody.'

Labour MP for Wigan Lisa Nandy tweeted to say she and her colleagues had been accosted outside Parliament as they made their way to vote

Meanwhile Farage told those gathered: 'Frankly, I believe that what's happened over there, has not just turned this day that should've been one of great celebration into a day that history will mark as a day of great betrayal, I believe that what's happened over the course of two years is actually one of the saddest and worst chapters in the history of our nation.'

Mr Farage said if there were a second referendum, 'we will beat them by a bigger majority'.

He added: 'It's about who we are as people - it's about our children and grandchildren.'

'We will get our country back. We will get our pride and our self respect back,' he said.

Addressing crowds, Tommy Robinson, who founded the English Defence League but now advises Ukip, said earlier: 'Theresa May are you listening, John Bercow are you listening?'

He had said on his arrival this afternoon: 'So Theresa May has lost her vote. Many people will be asking what does that even mean.

'It means we were betrayed. Today is supposed to be our Independence Day.'

Ukip leader Gerard Batten later revealed the party will be 'fielding candidates up and down the country at the local elections on May 2'.

He said it is looking increasingly likely that the country will have to take part in the EU elections.

'If that happens Ukip will field candidates in every region of the country. Ukip candidates will be Brexit candidates,' he added.

As he left the stage, to Land Of Hope and Glory being blasted out around Whitehall, those watching heartily sang along and waved their flags in time to the music.

There were loud boos when Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's face was broadcast on a screen ahead of the speeches by Leave campaigners.

Tim Martin, founder of the JD Wetherspoon pub chain, told the pro-Brexit campaigners: 'Anything you can buy from Europe you can buy from the rest of the world.'

'Replace French brandy with Aussie brandy. Replace champagne with English sparkling wine,' he said.

Leave supporters cheer in Parliament Square as Theresa May's latest efforts to get an EU withdrawal agreement through the Commons fail. One sign reads: 'The withdrawal agreement is not a path to Brexit'

Pro-Brexit supporters performed a lap of honour and rang their own 'liberty bell' outside Parliament today claiming Britain will crash out of the EU without a deal after Theresa May's proposals were voted down

As many as 13 different protest groups descended on Westminster today waving Union Jacks and protest placards

Huge crowds marched from south London along the River Thames to Whitehall today. One woman is seen wearing a '52 per cent and proud member'

As the sun begins to set on Parliament Square one defiant protestor stands with his St George's flag on his back

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage gives an impassioned speech to his fellow Brexiteers as tens of thousands assemble in Parliament Square

Wetherspoons chairman and prominent Brexit campaigner Tim Martin is pictured addressing the crowds in London

A man is pictured clutching a bottle of beer with a Union Jack tied around his soldiers as Leave figures deliver speeches

Placards outside Parliament read:'Lying Tory Labour MPs have stolen our votes', while another says: 'Out now deal later'

Scotland Yard had to dismiss claims from Ukip that a water cannon could be deployed at the protests to 'provoke Brexiteers'.

Police began ushering people to the pavement and created a blockade around the protestors to let taxis move through as the chaos continued.

Labour MP for Wigan Lisa Nandy tweeted: 'Today outside Parliament I and others were accosted by people shouting f****** traitor as we tried to get in to vote.

'Our staff were advised to leave the building for their own safety. There were armed police everywhere. This is not normal.'

Many on the march were seen wearing hi-vis vests similar to the Gilet Jaunes or Yellow Vests in France .

An aerial view of Parliament Square shows the numbers of protestors who flocked to central London to express their anger about the state of Theresa May's Brexit plan

Tens of thousands are pictured applauding Leave speeches in Parliament Square. A French flag with Ukip graffiti is seen being waved in the foreground

Crowds watch as footage of different speeches by Mrs May a,re played on a 50ft screen erected in Parliament Square

A Believe In Britain group pinned a blue banner 'Bring back Cromwell Help!!!' to the Parliament railings this afternoon

Brexit supporters shout through megaphones and carry placards saying 'My leave vote matters, I won't be gagged'

Protestors, one with a purple and yellow Ukip rosette, march through Whitehall holding a 'Long Live The Queen' Union Jack

One man in a Union flag shirt holds an American flag over his shoulder as the Brexiteer group march down towards the media area at College Green. Protestors staked out their territory around the green from the early hours of today

Earlier 'Oh Tommy Robinson' chants began as he announced Mrs May's defeat to the tens of thousands assembled outside the Commons.

He then showed them a documentary he had made on a 50-foot screen, saying:'Panodrama proves everything, every single one of you already know: propaganda, slander, collusion, demonisation against every single one of us.'

The European Commission statement released after the vote was declared said: 'The Commission regrets the negative vote in the House of Commons today.

'As per the European Council (Article 50) decision on 22 March, the period provided for in Article 50(3) is extended to 12 April.

'It will be for the UK to indicate the way forward before that date, for consideration by the European Council.

'A 'no-deal' scenario on 12 April is now a likely scenario. The EU has been preparing for this since December 2017 and is now fully prepared for a 'no-deal' scenario at midnight on 12 April. The EU will remain united.

'The benefits of the Withdrawal Agreement, including a transition period, will in no circumstances be replicated in a 'no-deal' scenario. Sectoral mini-deals are not an option.'

Chants of 'We shall not be moved' and 'Bye bye EU' were heard as protestors clutched placards, Ukip flags and Union Jacks

One activist's sign reads: 'Most MPs are corrupt liars' and 'Save Brexit' as he marches past the Houses of Parliament

A man wearing a suit covered in Union Jacks carries a Believe In Britain placard and a flag as he joins protestors in London

A man is pictured wearing a Theresa May mask after her deal was voted down by 58 votes in the Commons this afternoon

There were cheers from Believe in Britain demonstrators assembled in Parliament Square as Mrs May's deal was defeated

'Believe in Britain': Brexiteers make their voice heard as they arrive in Parliament Square, with banners including a Harry and Meghan wedding poster, Union flags, and a 'Parliament versus the people' banner

A Brexiteer is pictured giving the peace sign wearing a 'No EU' mask in the colours of the St George's flag

A Downing Street spokesman said they were still clinging on to hopes of a deal, saying: 'What the Prime Minister wants is to secure a deal that allows us to leave as soon as possible. She is going to continue to press for that.

'We will continue to talk to MPs across the House of Commons. You can expect us to seek to continue discussions with the DUP about what more we can do in providing reassurance that Northern Ireland wouldn't be left behind in any backstop.'

A No 10 source added: 'It is overwhelmingly in the national interest that we arrive at a successful conclusion to phase one of the negotiations and that is her entire focus.'

Protestors arrive in Parliament Square after the 14-day trek from Sunderland comes to an end. One woman, wearing a Trump MAGA hat stretches out a sign reading 'For Britain - For Brexit'

A statue of Winston Churchill (right) watches over the gathered crowd. Hundreds of British flags appear to outnumber the turnout of European flags this morning

One pro-Brexit demonstrator wore a T-shirt with 1984 emblazoned on it in the colours of the Union Jack with a flag around her neck

Protestors dressed in red, white and blue and held placards saying: 'Parliament has gone rogue bring it down'

Brexit supporters Roger Hopkins and Charlotte Clifford, from Eastbourne, said they were pleased the Withdrawal Agreement had been defeated as it was a 'bad deal'.

Mr Hopkins, who is retired, said: 'I'm pretty pleased about it actually, it was a bad deal.

'What I really really hope for now is to come out on WTO terms, it's not 'crashing out' or anything like that.'

Ms Clifford added: 'The people are supposed to be the masters and them inside (pointing at Parliament) are meant to do what we tell them. It's democracy.'

Kelvin, 27, from south London, was among those sitting in Parliament Square on Friday afternoon.

He said: 'I'm glad [the deal] has been defeated - it's not what we voted for. We voted to leave and end free movement of people.'

Danny Wallace, 28, from Manchester, said: 'I listened to what happened and Theresa May pretty much said she's going to come out with a second referendum.

'That's a bad idea, I think what most people wanted was what was on the table - leaving the EU under World Trade Organisation rules.'

Mr Wallace and two friends had spent the afternoon in Parliament Square to await the outcome of the vote.

Hundreds of Brexit supporters converge of Westminster as the latest day of protest gathers pace. Signs reading 'No deal or no Tories' and 'Respect the referendum and do your duty can be seen' waving through the crowds

Pro-Brexit demonstrators are pictured waving their Ukip flags as they march towards Parliament this afternoon. The final day of the two-week March To Leave that has come all the way from Sunderland arrived in London today

Ukip protestors make their way towards Parliament holding Union Jacks, party flags and 'Believe in Britain' flyers

A Brexiteer confronts a Remainer in front of Westminster. Met Police expect protests to last through the day, and have announced preparations for road blocks

A massive Leave Means Leave banner is unfurled in front of Big Ben as one England supporter helps lead the march around Parliament Square

Female protestors stand in front of a police officer by the gates to Westminster wearing capes of national flags. A sign behind the girls claims 'a Brexit delayed is a Brexit betrayed'

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is seen speaking to crowds assembled outside Parliament

Nigel Farage congratulated the pro-Brexit marchers who had walked the whole distance from Sunderland earlier in the day, saying 'it's a bloody long way'.

'It's a hell of an achievement and the symbolism couldn't have been greater. I would've liked to have done more, I've just been too busy,' he said.

Brexit Party MEP for Scotland David Coburn, formerly of Ukip, said of the march: 'Excellent, isn't it? It's like Cromwell's Army.'

Mr Coburn, wearing a kilt and wielding a Saltire flag, said: 'It's ridiculous, May has no intention of giving us Brexit. It's now an argument between the establishment and the people.

'The trick has been shown, people see they're not going to get what they voted for. It's unacceptable.'

Mr Coburn said he resigned from Ukip as it had been 'infiltrated by the wrong sort of people'.

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage MEP makes an appearance at the protest in front of Parliament surrounded by supporters holding Believe in Britain placards

London's Metropolitan Police pulled in extra officers to deal with the 13 planned protests due to take place today as the UK was supposed to leave the European Union

The last stage of the March to Leave route took less than three hours to begin trailing into Parliament Square from Chiswick in west London. The route took in the banks of the River Thames, Fulham FC and Chelsea Harbour

Pro-Brexit protestors take part in the March to Leave demonstration, as they walk along the River Thames with many holding 'Believe in Britain' banners

Conservative party member Colin Grostate, 67, said the vests were 'a symbol from France'.

The former black cab driver said: 'We support the populism. Germany, France, Spain, they're all starting the same thing and now the British are too.

'Yellow vests means you're in distress; when your car breaks down you put it on.

'Our politicians are not listening. Too many people are trying to stop what people voted for.'

Brexiteer campaigners were spotted converging on the road in front of Parliament to stop a pro-Remain van with a display screen showing quotes from Nigel Farage, which had been circling Parliament square all morning.

The mob then pointed and shouted 'shame on you' at the van, which continued to display the quotes.

Barry Lockey, from Sunderland, was on the March to Leave on its first rain-soaked day in the north east two weeks ago.

The 60-year-old lifeguard said of that first day: 'It was horrible mate, and pensioners were on it so I take my hat off to them.

'Down here in Parliament they're in their bubble with their votes with little margins and this and that.

'For me it's democracy at stake here and that's why I've come down, absolutely.'

Younger members of the march hold up banners with the slogan 'Leave Means Leave', a play on Theresa May's slogan 'Brexit means Brexit' as Imperial Wharf at Chelsea Harbour

One marcher holds a sign aloft reading 'Respect the vote' as Union flag-wrapped Brexit supporters take part in the final leg of the March To Leave Rally on March 29

Marchers fill the street beside Imperial Wharf. The long walk from Chiswick to Westminster is the final stretch of their 14-day hike that started on a rainy day on the North Sea coast near Sunderland

A man who gave his name only as Miroslav said he left the former Yugoslavia for the UK in 1990, adding: 'I've lived in a dictatorship before and I don't want to live in a dictatorship again.'

The engineer, 55, was holding a large banner on the March to Leave procession with detailed caricatures of British politicians being controlled as puppets by senior EU figures.

Walking along the Thames opposite Battersea Park, he said: 'It cost a lot, but democracy has no price.

'I love Europe, but the EU have lied, they have ignored referendums, there's no democracy there.'

He compared certain EU methods of choosing its top officials as 'worthy of Hugo Chavez or Vladimir Putin'.

A Brexit supporter demonstrates outside the Houses of Parliament on a tense day of voting for the government, as Theresa May's Brexit deal goes before the Commons for a third time

A large banner unfurls to read 'Honour the vote' - Protests are expected to block off the streets surrounding Westminster as dozens of Leave and Remain supporters have already arrived in Parliament Square to stake out their territory

The group has increased in size compared to the 80-strong crowd walking from Sunderland, police temporarily blocking off roads to allow them to pass through west London

Hundreds of people were pictured at the start of the march toward Parliament earlier today. The March to Leave's previous walks had been mocked for a lack of numbers

The procession through London started in the Chiswick area of west London earlier than expected this morning

Starting the march in Fulham, leave supporters carry signs saying 'IKEA have better cabinets than this' and 'MPs versus 17.4m leave voters'

The Metropolitan Police dismissed suggestions from Ukip leader Gerard Batten that water cannons could be deployed at today's protests, saying reports it could use them were 'baseless and false'.

Westminster Council said it is aware of up to 13 separate scheduled protests and the Metropolitan Police said 'appropriate policing plans are in place'.

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, businessman and Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin and broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer will speak at the 'Brexit Betrayal' rally.

Organisers have said 'it is now clear the Westminster elite are preparing to betray the will of the people over Brexit', adding: 'Failing to deliver a true Brexit will permanently damage the British people's faith in democracy.'

Westminster council said it was aware of expected rallies from groups including: the DFLA (Democratic Football Lads Alliance) Brexit Party; Stand up for Democracy; EU Leaving Party; March of Freedom; Proud British; A Night of Demonstration and Liberty; United Under Yellow; Rally to Rejoin the EU; Fridays for Future and Critical Mass.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan speaks to supporters next to his 'We are all Londoners' bus which had been touring London earlier today

UKIP supporters arrive earlier today, as leader Gerard Batten claims that the Met Police will use water cannon against them to 'provoke Brexiteer' despite the force not owning any of the machines

A sharply dressed Brexiteer wear of Union flagged suit holding placards of new slogans created by the leave campaign

The Metropolitan Police said 'appropriate policing plans are in place' to cope with 'a number of demonstrations and protests' on Friday.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT MAY'S DEAL HAS FAILED? What happens now that May's deal has failed? MPs will try to force a soft Brexit next week - and No 10 has threatened to call an election rather than be railroaded. Technically Brexit day will be reset to April 12, but rebel MPs have already started the process to delay that by months or even years. On Monday, MPs will have more 'indicative votes' to choose a Brexit alternative. Momentum is gaining for a majority to form behind agreeing a customs union with the EU and holding a second referendum. Once MPs have a majority for a Brexit alternative, they will try to pass a law on Wednesday to force Theresa May to adopt their plan. Ministers have threatened to call an election if MPs force them into a soft Brexit - and at this point May could call one. The PM can call an election by getting a two thirds majority of MPs - which is unlikely to be difficult because Labour also want one. A snap election would be incredibly messy and would likely deliver a similar division among the parties. May could instead announce she is stepping down, agree a long delay to Brexit to hold an election and Tory leadership contest. A delay to Brexit would also mean Britain must participate in EU elections at the end of May. Advertisement

A spokesman said: 'We will always provide a proportionate policing plan to balance the right to peaceful protest, while ensuring that disruption to communities is kept to a minimum.

'To date, protests have been largely peaceful and we have no intelligence at this time to suggest that will change.

'We would like to reassure the public that officers will be ready to respond should any incidents or other spontaneous protests arise.'

Dozens of party planners will go ahead with their Brexit Day celebrations tonight, despite the UK not meeting the original deadline to leave the EU.

One 'Brexit leaving drinks' event which apparently has 2,600 attendees said they had to cancel due to low ticket sales after the Prime Minister May decided to 'postpone' Brexit.

LondonSwedes, who were co-organising the event at Number 90 Bar & Kitchen in Hackney Wick said they 'are still keeping the champagne on ice for the actual date'.

LondonSwedes founder Charlotte Ågren said: 'The postponement of the event was not an easy decision - but we felt a bit strange going ahead with 'Leaving Drinks' on a date that isn't necessarily close to our actual departure date...or indeed if we're even going to leave at all.

'We tried to approach the event with as much positivity as possible for something that's become quite complex and full of some fairly nasty rhetoric coming from both sides of the argument.

'Just from the viral reaction on Facebook, it seems that there's a genuine appetite to put differences to one side and come together to celebrate - whether it's the need for a stiff drink to ease the pain of leaving or indeed toasting this brave new dawn we're about to embark on.'

A 'UK's leaving drinks' event had attracted thousands of potential attendees to the party in Hackney Wick tonight, but organisers said it was cancelled because the government 'couldn't get their act together'

Furious Theresa May blasts John Bercow for wrecking her Brexit withdrawal agreement by blocking all amendments before MPs rejected it for a third time John Bercow delivered another blow to the Tories by blocking an amendment from Labour MPs that could have swing behind the deal. Mrs May was defeated Furious Theresa May had a pop at John Bercow for wrecking her Brexit withdrawal agreement by blocking all amendments before MPs rejected it for a third time Theresa May blasted John Bercow for intervening to wreck her Brexit plans again as he blocked all amendments to her deal today. One of the proposals the Speaker barred was tabled by Labour backbencher Gareth Snell and sought to guarantee Parliament a say on the trade talks phase of the negotiations. Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said the Government would have accepted the amendment if it had come to a vote - meaning it could have brought some Labour MPs on board and helped Mrs May win today. Before the vote on her Brexit deal this afternoon, Theresa May said it was unfortunate that the Speaker had not selected the Labour amendment because the government would have accepted it. She said: 'Mr Speaker, if you had selected the amendment in the name of the honourable member for Stoke on Trent Central and others, the Government would have accepted it, and if this motion carries today we will bring forward a withdrawal agreement bill that will include commitments to implement that amendment and will discuss the specific drafting of that with those who supported the amendment.' The Speaker has already come under fire for his alleged Remain sympathies, and was accused of sabotaging a third vote on May's deal before the EU summit last week by saying she had to change the deal before it could be brought back to the commons. In the hope of salvaging her concessions, Mrs May promised MPs she would make sure laws implementing the deal still reflect the plan in the event she pulls off an unlikely victory. Advertisement

Raab, Boris and Gove prepare to depose May and fight it out in Tory leadership contest - then they could have to take on Corbyn in an election

The pack of senior Tories fighting to take over from Theresa May all stepped up their campaigns today after the Prime Minister's Brexit withdrawal deal was rejected for a third time.

The vote increases the chances of another general election in the coming months, suggesting any new Conservative leader could have to fight Jeremy Corbyn for power soon after they are installed in the role.

If a snap election is called in the coming weeks, Mrs May could have to fight it herself.

But more likely is that Mrs May could stand down after agreeing a long negotiation extension with the EU, prompting a 12-week leadership election and potential a general election in around six months.

Mrs May only offered to quit if deal was passed, but even though she lost again her days are numbered and senior Tories are frantically jostling for position to replace her.

Prominent Brexiteers Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab fell in line to support the deal today, potentially denting their support among hardline leavers who opposed it.

Meanwhile, supporters of Michael Gove suggested he might already have as many as 50 MPs signed up to back him, while other contenders include Sajid Javid, Esther McVey and Jeremy Hunt.

Boris Johnson will now step up his bid to become PM after Theresa May's latest defeat

Boris's old foe Michael Gove (pictured today) is currently a popular favourite to stop him

Gove supporters say the Environment Secretary is someone with 'impeccable Leave credentials' who had also 'bothered to reach out to Remainers'.

Last night Mr Johnson appeared to win the backing of Donald Trump. In a response to a question about the Tory leadership battle and Brexit, the President replied: 'I like Boris Johnson a lot. He's a friend of mine.'

According to William Hill, Mr Gove is the favourite to be next Tory leader at 5/2, followed by Mr Johnson (4/1), Jeremy Hunt (6/1), Mr Raab (8/1) and Sajid Javid (9/1).

Following today's votes, the deputy chairman of the eurosceptic European Research Group of Tory Eurosceptics, Steve Baker, called on Mrs May to step down immediately.

Declaring that this should be 'the final defeat' for the PM's deal, Mr Baker said: 'I regret to say it is time for Theresa May to follow through on her words and make way so that a new leader can deliver a Withdrawal Agreement which will be passed by Parliament.'

Boris and Gove, pictured in 2016 during the Vote Leave campaign, fell out after the referendum when Gove announced he would stand for leader, severely denting Boris's chances. Boris then decided not to run

So who are the candidates looking to replace May and what chance have they got?

Michael Gove - 5/2

Unlike Boris and Raab, Gove has kept on board with May's deal and will therefore have greater appeal among his remainer colleagues. He was also seen as a 'high priest of Brexiteers', meaning he could appeal to Tories on both sides of the divide.

The drawback of this position is that hardline leavers and remainers may see him as part of opposing side. His other potential drawback is his perceived disloyalty after he knifed Boris Johnson in last leadership contest.

Mr Gove, 51, the adopted son of a Scottish fish merchant, is a cabinet heavyweight who's served as Education Secretary and Justice Secretary.

His debating skills, intellect and wit put him well above many candidates and is popular with Tory members.

Boris Johnson - 4/1

The 54-year-old former Foreign Secretary is undoubtedly the best-known candidate outside of the Westminster bubble.

His scruffy style, regular TV appearances, chaotic private life and show-off Classics references make him well known to the electorate.

He has experience of power and winning elections, having been twice voted London mayor but was seen as a bumbling foreign secretary.

He is unpopular among many MPs, who may form a 'Stop Boris' campaign to prevent him getting to Number 10.

However, party grassroots members love him and he's top of the ConservativeHome league table.

It has been claimed Home Secretary Sajid Javid (pictured in Downing Street) has floated the idea of a 'dream ticket' with him as Prime Minister and Mr Gove as Chancellor

Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab fell in line behind the deal today, denting his popularity among hardline Brexiteers

Sajid Javid - 9/1

The Home Secretary, 49, is a remainer who changed to a Brexiteer after the referendum.

He is the son of a bus driver who came to Britain from Pakistan with £1 in his pocket. Javid proved himself in business, becoming head of credit trading at Deutsche Bank.

He has experience of being Culture and Business secretary, a role in which he cracked down on union rights.

His strengths are seen as his extraordinary rags-to-riches back story, but is widely seen as a wooden and poor public speaker.

There were rumours earlier this week that he could form part of the 'Stop Boris' ticket, with Michael Gove potentially in support.

Dominic Raab - 8/1

The 46-year-old former Brexit Secretary and diehard Brexiteer is the son of a Czech-born Jewish refugee who fled the Nazis in 1938 and died of cancer when Raab was 12.

He is relatively inexperienced, lasting only four months as Brexit Secretary. He voted against May in leadership confidence vote. Mr Raab is seen as a skilled debater who honed his skills as an adversarial lawyer with blue chip legal firm Linklaters.

His weekness is that he seen lacking people skills and thus is unlikely to beat a more experienced candidate.

Others in the running include Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey

How will the next leader be chosen? If Mrs May's deal goes through, the UK is likely to leave the EU on May 22 and she would resign as Tory leader that day but stay on as interim PM while the contest to replace her begins.

Any Tory MP can stand but they need two nominations from colleagues.

A series of secret votes would be held every Tuesday and Thursday among the 314 members of the Conservative Parliamentary Party.

The last-placed candidate is eliminated at every stage and once it is clear who the front-runners are the back-markers usually drop out and support someone else.

After David Cameron stood down following the referendum in 2016 there were five candidates in the first round, who were whittled down to two: Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom.

The final two candidates then move on to the second phase, when party members vote by postal ballot.

Candidates will be expected to make speeches to members and tour the country to try to win support. This second phase is likely to last for up to a month.

Only members who have been in the party for three months or more can vote in a leadership contest, so joining now would not entitle you to a say.

Conservative sources say the whole process could be completed within a month to six weeks. Advertisement

Jeremy Hunt - 6/1

The Foreign Secretary, 52, is an ex-Remainer who may arouse suspicion among the party's Brexiteer members.

He is the eldest son of Admiral Sir Nicholas Hunt and is married to a Chinese wife and he speaks Mandarin.

He has business experience and, before politics, he set up an educational publisher which was sold for £30million in 2017.

Mr Hunt has widespread cabinet experience and was the longest-serving health secretary in history.

Despite being one of the most experienced ministers in the field, unusually, he has made few political enemies and is therefore seen as someone who could unite the party after devisive battles over Brexit.

Andrea Leadsom - 20/1

The Leader of the Commons gained quite following when she stood for leader in 2016, but her bid fell apart when she made an ill-considered comment comparing her experience as a mother to the childless Mrs May.

Mrs Leadsom is a 55-year-old mother of three and a former city trader.

Since then however, she has blossomed as Leader of the Commons, winning plaudits for taking on Speaker John Bercow.

Popular among members and colleagues, she is now widely expected to have another tilt as leading the party.

Andrea Leadsom is also expected to throw her name into the hat after her bid in 2016

Esther McVey - 50/1

The 51-year-old former Welfare Secretary is also an ardent Brexiteer.

She spent the first two years of her life in foster care and was a breakfast TV presenter before becoming a Tory MP on Merseyside.

Won plaudits with members for resigning from Cabinet over Brexit deal and is seen as tough, having braved out vicious targeting by Labour during her time as welfare minister.

Some in the party say she doesn't have the intellectual fire power for top job and she is ranked 14th in ConservativeHome league table.