Philip Hammond pressing millionaire donors for money to fight ‘terrifying’ no-deal Brexit Former justice secretary David Gauke will also support for a fresh campaign to oppose the Prime Minister

Philip Hammond is in talks with millionaire donors to launch a national campaign to block Boris Johnson’s plans for a no-deal Brexit, it has emerged.

The former chancellor, who resigned last week before he could be sacked by the incoming Prime Minister, is lining up Rory Stewart to lead the bid to prevent a disorderly withdrawal from the EU.

Mr Stewart was among several Cabinet ministers who jumped before they could be pushed out of government by Mr Johnson and will now concentrate his efforts in opposing a no-deal Brexit.

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‘Terrifying’ no deal

Earlier this month, Mr Hammond described Brexiteers’ claims that a no-deal Brexit could boost the economy as “terrifying”.

He will also be joined by the former justice secretary David Gauke in whipping up support for a fresh campaign to oppose the Prime Minister.

The pair believe such a campaign should be fronted by Mr Stewart after he briefly caught the limelight in the early part of the Tory leadership race.

The former international development secretary has continued to deliver speeches and hold rallies in a bid to promote the benefits of the political centre ground.

According to the Sunday Times, a source close to discussions said: “The plan is for a huge national campaign, a bit like the People’s Vote, which will mobilise MPs and voters with adverts, rallies and original research.

“Philip is talking to people and there will be no shortage of support from donors. But he’s convinced that Rory has the most cut-through with voters.”

Talks with Labour

Mr Hammond has also held talks with Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer to discuss ways they could develop a cross-party alliance to oppose the Prime Minister should he look to force a no-deal Brexit.

The Observer reports Sir Keir said the talks were ongoing. “The political direction of travel under Boris Johnson is clear, and so it is more important than ever we build a strong cross-party alliance to stop a no-deal Brexit,”.

“That work will intensify over the summer, before parliament resumes in September.”

It comes amid mounting speculation at least one Tory backbencher will quit the party to join the Liberal Democrats in a bid to oppose Mr Johnson’s hardline Brexit stance. Former digital minister Margot James, who resigned last week, has been repeatedly linked with joining the anti-Brexit party.