Theresa May’s Brexit plans were in disarray on Wednesday night as two of her most senior ministers distanced themselves from leaked immigration policies amid a backlash from Brussels and business leaders.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, and Damian Green, the First Secretary of State, both have misgivings about radical plans to curb migration, which include a two-year maximum stay for low-skilled workers, whose overall numbers could also be capped.

Ms Rudd has “reservations” about the migration blueprint even though it was drawn up by officials in her own department, and may favour lighter touch regulations that make it easier for businesses to hire EU workers.

Mr Green, who is one of Mrs May’s most trusted advisers, has hinted the Government could row back from the proposals - which have proved popular with Brexiteers - because he is concerned at the effect they will have on EU withdrawal negotiations.

The migration plans were described as “toxic” in Brussels, where Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has suggested Britain now has no chance of securing a “bespoke” transition deal.