As metaphors go for what is about to unfold in Westminster, it is hard to top the moment Steve Baker’s parachute failed to open while he was skydiving in Portugal. The former Brexit minister, who resigned in disgust at Theresa May’s Chequers deal, said: “I was in a severe spiral dive, heading through decision height. I could not land it, so I cut away the main and deployed the reserve.”

Baker landed on a golf course. Now back from holiday, he is helping lead efforts to kill off the prime minister’s main blueprint for Brexit and replace her Chequers proposal with a reserve plan drawn up by Brexiteers.

“After drifting on the wind, my main parachute was found in a cactus farm, which does seem…