
Theresa May was given a reprieve tonight with news she will not face an immediate vote of no confidence - as she warned furious Tory Brexiteers that sacking her would mean Jeremy Corbyn becoming PM.

The rare bright spot for the PM came as she issued a defiant message at a stormy session of the Tory 1922 committee in Parliament, with her premiership hanging by a thread.

Struggling to quell a wave of anger from Eurosceptics about her 'third way' plan for trade with the EU that is threatening to sweep her out of Downing Street, Mrs May told the gathering that 'to lead is to decide' and raised the prospect of the Labour leader imposing a left-wing revolution on the country.

The confrontation came after Boris Johnson turned the screw earlier by dramatically quitting in protest at the Brexit proposals, just hours after Brexit Secretary David Davis fell on his sword.

In a searing resignation letter, the former Foreign Secretary warned that Brexit is 'dying' and accused Mrs May of risking turning the UK into a 'colony' of the EU.

However, in a boost for the embattled PM, the chairman of the powerful 1922, Sir Graham Brady, is said to have confirmed at the session tonight that currently he has not received the 48 letters from MPs that would trigger a no-confidence vote.

After the meeting, solicitor general Robert Buckland told journalists that Mrs May had received strong support from the party rank-and-file.

He said: ‘She talked about Jeremy Corbyn, she talked about the alternative being to deliver the country to the sort of Government people didn’t vote for and any Conservative voter would be repelled by.’

Mr Buckland insisted Mrs May could emerge strengthened from the furore, comparing the turbulent events to the crises which faced German Chancellor Angela Merkel in her early years in office.

He said: ‘I think she is strengthened by all of this, I think it helps her. The most striking remark she said was “to lead is to decide”.'

Theresa May tried to quell anger among Tory Brexiteers at a private meeting in Parliament tonight. Earlier she put a brave face on the shattering blow in the Commons this afternoon (pictured), paying tribute to Boris Johnson's commitment to 'Global Britain' as Foreign Secretary

Theresa May met with the Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, at No10 this evening amid fevered speculation in Westminster around whether or not she will be ousted as leader following the departure of David Davis and Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson (pictured signing his resignation letter tonight) gave a scathing verdict on Theresa May's Brexit plans tonight as his resignation letter said the 'Brexit dream is dying, suffocated by needless self doubt'.

Dominic Raab (pictured in the Commons with Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley this afternoon) has been installed as the new Brexit Secretary

The resignations are a huge blow to Mrs May, pictured at Downing Street today. David Davis (pictured right in London today) said he did not believe Mr Johnson needed to follow his example by quitting

The PM was desperately struggling try to get back on the front foot today, with Liam Fox (left) one of those in the frame to become the next foreign secretary. Michael Gove has emerged as a crucial powerbroker in the drama that is about to unfold around Mrs May

Tory MP Geoffrey Cox - a Brexiteer - said many Eurosceptics inside the meeting urged the PM to stay on and lead them through Brexit.

He said: 'I regret Boris and David have gone, but I think they were wrong - they should have stuck in and make this deal successful.'

He said the third way deal Mrs May has put forward represents a 'giant step' on the road to Brexit.'

But Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Tory MP and leader of the European Research Group - the powerful group of backbench Tory MPs - said the PM must ditch her Chequers plan.

He said: ‘You see that those supporting Remain two years ago are supporting quasi Remain now…the key question for today is does the rather bad Chequers deal go ahead.’

Asked if the party if fissuring, he said: ‘There is one issue of grave concern, and that is that the Government has been briefing Labour members of Parliament. If the Government plans to get the Chequers deal through on the back of Labour Party votes then that would be the most divisive thing it could do.

‘And it would be a split coming from the top, not from the members of Conservative party across the country.’

Challenged over the fact that Mrs May has made it clear that the Chequers deal will not change, he said: ‘Well the Prime Minister has said on previous occasions that she won’t change things, and change then happens.’

Asked if he is casting doubt over whether the PM can be trusted, he added: ‘You should believe the Prime Minister in the broad context of what she says but not always on the specifics.’

He added: 'The statement today (in the Commons) gave me no reassurance. No. What has really clarified my thinking is the resignation of two of the most important members of the Cabinet.’

Mrs May arrived smiling accompanied by her chief of staff Gavin Barwell. She joked with reporters outside the event: 'I wonder what you are doing here'.

She was greeted with table banging and some cheers of 'hear hear' and applause as she arrived.

The meeting of the parliamentary party was absolutely packed - with many MPs struggling to get in.

How could Theresa May be ousted as Tory leader? Theresa May faces a mortal threat to her leadership of the Conservative Party and Government. A Tory leadership contest can be called in one of two ways - if Mrs May resigns or if MPs force and win a vote of no confidence in her. Calling votes of no confidence is the responsibility of the chairman of the 1922 Committee, which includes all backbench Tory MPs. Chairman Graham Brady is obliged to call a vote if 15 per cent of Tory MPs write to him calling for one - currently 48 MPs. The process is secret and only Mr Brady knows how many letters he has received. The procedure was last used in 2003 when Iain Duncan Smith was ousted as Tory leader. If Mrs May is ousted, any MP is eligible to stand. Conservative MPs will then hold a series of ballots to whittle the list of contenders down to two, with the last place candidate dropping out in each round. The final two candidates are then offered to the Tory membership at large for an election. Advertisement

Applause and feet stamping could be heard several times during the meeting, with Mrs May seemingly escaping relatively unscathed.

Mr Buckland admitted a 'handful' of dissenters had voiced opposition to the Brexit plans, but claimed the atmosphere had been generally friendly.

No one mentioned David Davis or Boris Johnson by name in the meeting, he said.

Earlier, Mrs May shrugged off jeers as she made a statement to the Commons just minutes after Mr Johnson resigned.

The Prime Minister made a passionate case for her plan for future trade with the EU, saying it represented 'Brexit in our national interest'.

No10 has also insisted Mrs May is ready to fight for her job if furious Eurosceptics force a no-confidence vote in her leadership.

Earlier, Mr Johnson resigned just minutes before the PM began updating the Commons on the compromise package she pushed through the Cabinet on Friday night.

Mrs May tried to put a brave face on the shattering blow this afternoon, paying tribute to Mr Johnson's commitment to 'Global Britain'. But some Labour MPs jeered 'bye' and 'resign' as she stood up to address the chamber.

The premier's grip on Downing Street is hanging by a thread after Mr Johnson delivered his bombshell news after hours of speculation about his intentions.

A No10 spokesman said: 'This afternoon, the Prime Minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary. His replacement will be announced shortly. The Prime Minister thanks Boris for his work.'

Senior Tory Brexiteers Jacob Rees-Mogg said the departure was more 'proof that Chequers is not Brexit'. Former Cabinet minister John Whittingdale hailed the 'enormous act of bravery'.

Who is Dominic Raab and what did he do before becoming Brexit Secretary? Dominic Raab will take up the tricky challenge of being Britain's new Brexit Secretary - and will lead efforts to sell the controversial 'third way' plan to the EU. Dominic Raab has been appointed the new Brexit Secretary after the dramatic resignation of David Davis. Who is Dominic Raab? Dominic Raab, 44, is a married father of two and MP for Esher and Walton. His father was a Jewish refugee who fled to Britain in 1938 following the rise of the Nazis. He lives in Surrey with his wife Erika and two sons Peter and Joshua Asked in 2010 who his political heroes are, he said he likes 'stubborn optimists' like the late US President Ronald Reagan and Gandhi. Where did he study? He went to went a grammar school in Buckinghamshire before studying law at Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University before moving to Cambridge where he studies for a Masters. It was at university where he developed his passion for karate - captaining the university team and also boxing. What did he do before becoming an MP? He worked as a lawyer for Linklaters before joining the Foreign Office (FO) where he advised on prosecuting war criminals and the Israeli-Palestine conflict. He defended Tony Blair from be summoned to court by Slobodan Milosevic, when he was on trial in The Hague. It was at the FO that he impressed David Davis who went on to employ him as his chief of staff while shadow home secretary. What has he done in Parliament? He was selected as Tory candidate for Esher and Walton after winning one of the Tory's open primaries. He was elected to Parliament in 2010 and quickly hailed as a rising star - winning The Spectator's coveted newcomer of the year in 2011. He was made a Justice Minister in 2015 before being moved to the housing brief. A leading face in the campaign to leave the EU, he was made Brexit Secretary today. Advertisement

But in a sign of the tensions threatening to rip the party to pieces, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the PM was 'correct to accept the Foreign Secretary's resignation'. David Davis, who kicked off the crisis by quitting as Brexit Secretary late last night, said he did not believe Mr Johnson had needed to resign.

There is speculation that either Trade Secretary Liam Fox or Environment Secretary Michael Gove could be shifted to take Mr Johnson's role.

The PM's position has been looking increasingly perilous as MPs vent their rage about the blueprint signed off by ministers at Chequers.

After a weekend apparently seething about the outcome, Mr Davis resigned late last night and delivered an excoriating verdict on the plans.

He complained that Mrs May had undermined him by ignoring his views on a 'significant number of occasions' and put the UK on track to be humbled by Brussels.

Mrs May tried to shore up her Cabinet this morning by drafting in Dominic Raab to replace Mr Davis.

But the Tory wrath has been inflamed further after it emerged that Mrs May's chief of staff Gavin Barwell is briefing Opposition MPs in a bid to win them over to her 'third way' proposals for future trade with the EU.

Brexiteers warned that the premier will not survive if she has to rely on 'socialist' votes to get the measures through the Commons.

Mr Johnson had gone underground today, despite reportedly having branded the blueprint a 't***' during the marathon Cabinet session.

He surfaced to resign after contradictory claims over whether he was attending the Cobra emergency meeting on the Amesbury nerve agent poisonings.

No10 appears to have tried to spike Mr Johnson's guns by revealing his departure before receiving a formal resignation letter.

The Prime Minister told the Commons she wanted to 'recognise the passion' that the outgoing Foreign Secretary had shown in promoting a 'global Britain to the world'.

But she mounted a staunch defence of her controversial plan, saying it struck a balance between Brexit and staying close to EU partners, and was needed to ensure there was no hard Irish border.

'This is the Brexit that is in our national interest,' she said.

To laughter, Mrs May said there had been a 'spirited' debate in Cabinet as there was at breakfast tables across the country.

Tory MP Peter Bone said for the first time Eurosceptic activists in his Wellingborough constituency 'refused to go out and campaign' at the weekend.

Mr Bone said: 'The activists were so disappointed about what had happened at Chequers - they said they were betrayed and they asked 'Why do we go out each and every Saturday to support the Conservative Party and get MPs elected?'.

'For the first time in over 10 years, that group refused to go out and campaign.'

Tory MPs could be heard shouting 'shame' and 'nonsense' as Mr Bone spoke. Mrs May, in her reply, said: 'This is not a betrayal.'

Mrs May raised the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in the Commons today) becoming PM as she warned Tory MPs not to try to topple her

Some Labour MPs jeered 'bye' and 'resign' as Mrs May stood up to address the House of Commons this afternoon

Asked by journalists afterwards if the PM would fight a no confidence vote, her spokesman said: 'Yes.'

The spokesman denied that the government was in 'meltdown'. 'I wouldn't agree with it – the Prime Minister summed up what we are doing and what we are about and we are setting about that task. It is an important one to deliver for the British people,' he said.

Told of the resignation news, Mr Davis said his reaction was 'regret' and flatly denied coordinating the action with Mr Johnson. 'I had resigned because this was central. This was central to my job and if we continue with this policy and I was still there, I'd have to present it in the House of Commons. I'd have to present it in Europe. I'd have to be the champion of the policy which I didn't believe in, so that doesn't work.

'Somebody else can do a better job than me under those circumstances. I don't think it's central to the Foreign Secretary. It's a pity, but there we are.'

Some senior ministers rallied around, with Chancellor Philip Hammond tweeting: 'The PM making important statement in the House, and @theresa_may's plan has my full support. It's a proposal that puts jobs first and protects our nation's prosperity. #gettingthebestdealforBritain'.

European Council President Donald Tusk hinted that he thought Brexit could now be reversed altogether.

'Politicians come and go but the problems they have created for people remain. I can only regret that the idea of #Brexit has not left with Davis and Johnson. But... who knows?' he tweeted.

In a resignation announced just before midnight, Mr Davis told the PM that her policies would leave the UK in a 'weak and inescapable' negotiating position with just eight months until Britain cuts ties with Brussels.

Eight Cabinet ministers have now departed Mrs May's team over the past year. Highlighted in red in this graphic, they are (front row left to right) Michael Fallon, Amber Rudd, Damian Green, Boris Johnson, Justine Greening, David Davis. On the back row is Sir Patrick McLoughlin, and on the second row to the right is Priti Patel

European Council President Donald Tusk hinted that he thought Brexit could now be reversed altogether (left). Tory MP Zac Goldsmith defended Mr Johnson's actions (right)

Mr Johnson's ministerial red box was removed from his official residence of Carlton Gardens this afternoon following his resignation

In a long resignation letter, Mr Johnson said selling the policy would 'stick in the throat' and he could not stand by waving 'white flags' of surrender

'As you know there have been a significant number of occasions in the last year or so on which I have disagreed with the Number 10 policy line, ranging from accepting the Commission's sequencing of negotiations through to the language on Northern Ireland in the December Joint Report,' he said.

'At each stage I have accepted collective responsibility because it is part of my task to find workable compromises, and because I considered it was still possible to deliver on the mandate of the referendum, and on our manifesto commitment to leave the Customs Union and the Single Market.

'I am afraid that I think the current trend of policy and tactics is making that look less and less likely.'

Mrs May responded by saying: 'I do not agree with your characterisation of the policy we agreed at Cabinet on Friday.'

Who could succeed Theresa May as the next Prime Minister if she is ousted from No10? Theresa May is battling to hang on as PM Theresa May's premiership is hanging in the balance after David Davis and Boris Johnson quit in a shock double cabinet resignation. Here are the odds, via bookmakers Ladbrokes, on who will be the next PM: Michael Gove (Environment Secretary) - 9/2 Has buried the hatchet with Mr Johnson after brutally ending his Tory leadership campaign in the wake of David Cameron's resignation. Thought to be less concerned with short term concessions that Mr Johnson, but focused on ensuring the UK is free from Brussels rules in the longer term. Jeremy Corbyn (Labour leader) - 5/1 The labour leader will be hoping to capitalise on Brexit disarray in the Cabinet to seize power himself in an election Sajid Javid (Home Secretary) - 5/1 Brought in to replace Amber Rudd after she resigned amid the Windrush scandal, Mr Javid was seen as a reluctant Remainer in the referendum. Many thought the former high-flying banker would plump for the Leave campaign, but he eventually claimed to have been won over by the economic case. He is likely to focus be guided by evidence about trade calculations in discussions over how closely aligned the UK should be with the EU. Jacob Rees-Mogg (Tory backbencher) - 6/1 A leading Tory backbencher, he is chairman of the European Research Group - the powerful group of backbench Brexit backing Tory MPs. Boris Johnson (ex Foreign Secretary)- 8/1 The Brexit champion in the Cabinet until today, has been agitating for a more robust approach and previously played down the problems of leaving with no deal. He is unhappy with plans for a tight customs arrangement with Brussels - warning that it could effectively mean being lashed to the EU indefinitely. Said to have bluntly dismissed concerns from pro-EU companies by saying 'f*** business'. Andrea Leadsom (Commons leader) - 12/1 A leading Brexiteer who ran for the leadership last year before pulling out allowing Theresa May to be crowned. Jeremy Hunt (Health Secretary) - 14/1 A Remainer in the referendum campaign, Mr Hunt has since embraced the Brexiteer arguments - with speculation that he is positioning for a tilt at the top job should Mrs May be abruptly ousted. He has been heavily Dominic Raab (Brexit Secretary) - 16/1 The new Brexit Secretary, Mr Raab is a leading Brexiteer who has been brought into the Cabinet after David Davis' shock resignation. David Davis (ex Brexit Secretary) - 25/1 A long-time Eurosceptic and veteran of the 1990s Maastricht battles, brought back by Mrs May in 2016 to oversee the day-to-day negotiations. He has plunged her Government into chaos after sensationally quitting last night. He has said the government will be seeking a 'Canada plus plus plus' deal from the EU. Advertisement

Having spoken to his wife and spent a day at the Silverstone grand prix over the weekend, Mr Davis is said to have become convinced he was 'selling out his own country' by staying in post. He is thought to have been offered another job in Cabinet in a desperate bid to stop him resigning, but turned it down.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Davis said his 'conscience' would not allow him to continue as he did not 'believe' in the plan. He insisted he had been 'clear' at the Chequers showdown that he did not back the blueprint and the EU would just take advantage.

'They'll take what we offer already and then demand some more. That's what I fear,' he said.

'We're giving too much away, too easily, and that to me is a very dangerous strategy.'

The appointment of Mr Raab, seen as a 'true believer' in Brexit, was designed to calm nerves on the Tory benches somewhat. A Leave campaigner in the referendum, he has been promoted from housing minister.

Mr Davis was praised by Tory MPs including Jacob Rees-Mogg and Andrew Bridgen, who have pledged to sink the PM's proposals when they face a Commons vote. Angry MPs accused Mrs May of peddling a 'stinker' of a deal, with some publicly jibing that her leadership is 'over'.

Eurosceptic MPs had warned Mr Johnson he will blow his chance of ever becoming Tory leader if he does not come out against Mrs May's Brexit plan.

Backbencher Andrea Jenkyns said she hoped more ministerial resignations would follow. 'The time has come that we need a Brexiteer prime minister, someone who believes in Brexit,' she said.

'Theresa May's premiership is over.'

But Mr Davis stopped short today of urging Mr Johnson to follow him out of the door, and said he hoped Mrs May would not be forced from power.

'It's not for me to make other people's decisions. These decisions are very very hard to make,' he said.

Asked if Mrs May could survive, he replied: 'Oh yes, of course.'

Senior Conservative Bernard Jenkin said Mr Davis had been left in a 'completely impossible' position.

Asked if Brexiteers needed to put the PM's future to a vote of the Conservative party, he replied 'it may well come that'.

He told Today: 'If the Prime Minister thinks she has consent and support from every member of her Cabinet she is deluding herself, as we have just seen.'

Mr Davis's deputy Steve Baker also quit the Brexit department last night while fellow junior minister Suella Braverman is expected to follow him out of the door.

In his resignation letter released today, Mr Baker significantly admitted that 'Parliamentary opinion and arithmetic constrain the government's freedom of action'.

'But I cannot support this policy with the sincerity and resolve which will be necessary,' he added.

He urged Eurosceptics not to submit letters calling for a Conservative leadership contest.

'What we need is a change of policy, not a change of PM,' he said.

Mr Baker said he had almost been prompted to quit by 'childish' aggressive briefing from No10 on Friday that ministers who quit would be forced to get taxis home from Chequers.

Another Brexit minister, Suella Braverman, appears to have been pulled back from the brink of resignation by Downing Street.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was dispatched to TV studios to shore up the PM today, saying he does not 'believe' a leadership challenge will happen.

He said: 'Personally, I hope that doesn't happen because right now we are in an extremely delicate and difficult situation for our country and I think the only sensible thing is to recognise that in these kinds of situations, difficult choices have to be made.

'The one thing that will damage our country the most is if we don't get behind our Prime Minister.'

Mr Hunt warned it was the 'now or never moment for Brexit and we have to get behind the PM'.

He also took a swipe at Mr Johnson over his ambiguous stance towards the Brexit plan.

'It is possible sometimes for politicians to say two things that appear mildly contradictory and of all people Boris does sometimes do that,' he said.

In a sign that the government fears there will not be enough Conservative and DUP MPs ready to vote for Mrs May's plan, Mr Barwell invited Opposition backbenchers to a briefing on what was being suggested.

But one senior Labour MP told MailOnline: 'She will have to offer us a lot more than the Chequers to get many Labour MPs on board.'

What is the powerful 1922 Committee and how is it run? The 1922 Committee is the powerful body that represents Tory backbenchers. It meets weekly when the Commons is sitting, and the Tory leader typically addresses the group two times in each a parliamentary term. The current chair is Graham Brady, and he and the senior committee members are elected by the rank and file. The 1922 takes its name from a meeting of Conservative MPs in October 1922 which led to the end of the party's coalition government with the Liberals. Although still widely referred to as a 1922, tonight's meeting is technically a meeting of the Conservative Party chaired by Sir Graham. As a result the 'payroll vote' of ministers and government aides are entitled to attend and contribute - which could ease the passage for Theresa May. Advertisement

Mr Rees-Mogg, who heads the ERG group of Eurosceptic Tory MPs, said he would vote against the Chequers plan if it came to Parliament.

'The Conservative Party is very strongly in favour of Brexit. The leaders, I'm afraid, have been bitten by the establishment bug and are nervous of leaving,' he said.

'That's a problem for the party. The antidote is that the leadership should carry out the result of the referendum and that would keep the party together.

'Friday's announcement was turning red lines into a white flag and David Davis has made that so clear in his resignation letter.'

Mr Rees-Mogg said he has not submitted a letter of no confidence to 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady, and did not know whether other MPs have done so.

Asked whether Mrs May could survive as leader until the date of Brexit in May 2019, the North East Somerset MP told LBC: 'Who knows when she will decide she has had enough of this?

'I think the odds are that she will be Prime Minister in March next year.'

He added: 'I think if the Government wants to get Chequers through, it will do so on the back of Labour votes, which would be a great mistake.'

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage urged Mr Johnson to be a 'hero'. 'Boris Johnson now has the chance to save Brexit, he will be a hero if he walks away from the betrayal of voters' trust,' he tweeted.

The Davis-led Brexit rebellion risks throwing negotiations into chaos and leaves Mrs May in a perilous position as she faces the House of Commons and then a potentially stormy meeting of Tory MPs tonight.

EU commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said the resignation of Mr Davis would not hit the talks. Asked if it was a problem, he replied: 'Not for us. We are here to work.'

Sources claimed the change would make 'no difference' as Mrs May's Brexit envoy Olly Robbins had been in de facto charge of the talks for months.

The PM insists she has chosen the 'right Brexit for Britain' and is 'no sell-out' as she tries to quell a backbench revolt despite being accused by some Tory MPs of trying to deliver a 'soft Brexit' which would keep Britain tied to EU rules.

The PM's chief of staff Gavin Barwell is briefing Labour and Lib Dem MPs today as the government looks beyond the Tory benches for support

Jacob Rees-Mogg, who heads the ERG group of Eurosceptic Tory MPs, said he would vote against the Chequers plan if it came to Parliament

Tory MP Peter Bone was among those endorsing Mr Davis's decision to quit. Nigel Farage urged Mr Johnson to be a 'hero' and follow him out of the exit door

The Prime Minister secured Cabinet backing for her strategy in a marathon meeting at Chequers on Friday and was set to urge the Conservative Party to 'stand united' behind her in a showdown meeting with backbenchers tonight.

But Eurosceptics plotting against the Prime Minister earlier claimed MPs have begun sending no-confidence letters, which will trigger a leadership contest if 48 are received.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the PM 'has no authority left and is incapable of delivering Brexit.'

If Mrs May resigns the opposition will have a fighting chance of winning a subsequent general election and taking charge of Brexit negotiations.

He said: 'With her Government in chaos, if she clings on, it's clear she's more interested in hanging on for her own sake than serving the people of our country.'

In his resignation letter Mr Davis, describing himself as a 'reluctant conscript' to the PM's proposals, told Mrs May 'the current trend of policy and tactics' is making it 'look less and less likely' that the UK will leave the customs union and single market.

He said: 'At each stage I have accepted collective responsibility because it is part of my task to find workable compromises, and because I considered it was still possible to deliver on the mandate of the referendum, and on our manifesto commitment to leave the Customs Union and the Single Market.

'I am afraid that I think the current trend of policy and tactic is making that look like and less likely.

'The Cabinet decision on Friday crystallised this problem. In my view the inevitable consequence of the proposed policies will be to make the supposed control by Parliament illusory rather than real.

'I am also unpersuaded that our negotiating approach will not just lead to further demands for concessions.'

David Davis's resignation letter to Theresa May in full as Brexit secretary rocks the government by quitting 'Dear Prime Minister 'As you know there have been a significant number of occasions in the last year or so on which I have disagreed with the Number 10 policy line, ranging from accepting the Commission's sequencing of negotiations through to the language on Northern Ireland in the December Joint Report. At each stage I have accepted collective responsibility because it is part of my task to find workable compromises, and because I considered it was still possible to deliver on the mandate of the referendum, and on our manifesto commitment to leave the Customs Union and the Single Market. 'I am afraid that I think the current trend of policy and tactics is making that look less and less likely. Whether it is the progressive dilution of what I thought was a firm Chequers agreement in February on right to diverge, or the unnecessary delays of the start of the White Paper, or the presentation of a backstop proposal that omitted the strict conditions that I requested and believed that we had agreed, the general direction of policy will leave us in at best a weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one. 'The Cabinet decision on Friday crystallised this problem. In my view the inevitable consequence of the proposed policies will be to make the supposed control by Parliament illusory rather than real. As I said at Cabinet, the 'common rule book' policy hands control of large swathes of our economy to the EU and is certainly not returning control of our laws in any real sense. 'I am also unpersuaded that our negotiating approach will not just lead to further demands for concessions. Of course this is a complex area of judgement and it is possible that you are right and I am wrong. However, even in that event it seems to me that the national interest requires a Secretary of State in my Department that is an enthusiastic believer in your approach, and not merely a reluctant conscript. While I have been grateful to you for the opportunity to serve, it is with great regret that I tender my resignation from the Cabinet with immediate effect. 'Yours ever 'David' Advertisement

David Davis announced his resignation in a letter to the PM where he said he was 'unpersuaded' by her negotiating position

Theresa May responded by saying she did not agree with him and was sorry he was quitting eight months before we leave the EU

In her reply to David Davis, Theresa May told him: 'I am sorry that you have chosen to leave the Government when we have already made so much progress towards delivering a smooth and successful Brexit and when we are only eight months from the date set in law when the United Kingdom will leave the European Union.'

Listing 12 ways in which the plans would honour manifesto commitments she said the Cabinet had agreed a 'precise, responsible and credible basis' for delivering Brexit, but her government is now in chaos just eight months before the UK's scheduled exit from the EU.

Full text of Theresa May's letter to David Davis 'Dear David 'Thank you for your letter explaining your decision to resign as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. 'I am sorry that you have chosen to leave the Government when we have already made so much progress towards delivering a smooth and successful Brexit, and when we are only eight months from the date set in law when the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. 'At Chequers on Friday, we as the Cabinet agreed a comprehensive and detailed proposal which provides a precise, responsible, and credible basis for progressing our negotiations towards a new relationship between the UK and the EU after we leave in March. We set out how we will deliver on the result of the referendum and the commitments we made in our manifesto for the 2017 general election: '1. Leaving the EU on 29 March 2019. '2. Ending free movement and taking back control of our borders. '3. No more sending vast sums of money each year to the EU. '4. A new business-friendly customs model with freedom to strike new trade deals around the world. '5. A UK-EU free trade area with a common rulebook for industrial goods and agricultural products which will be good for jobs. '6. A commitment to maintain high standards on consumer and employment rights and the environment. '7. A Parliamentary lock on all new rules and regulations. '8. Leaving the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy. '9. Restoring the supremacy of British courts by ending the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the UK. '10. No hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. '11. Continued, close co-operation on security to keep our people safe. '12. An independent foreign and defence policy, working closely with the EU and other allies. 'This is consistent with the mandate of the referendum and with the commitments we laid out in our general election manifesto: leaving the single market and the customs union but seeking a deep and special partnership including a comprehensive free trade and customs agreement; ending the vast annual contributions to the EU; and pursuing fair, orderly negotiations, minimising disruption and giving as much certainty as possible so both sides benefit. 'As we said in our manifesto, we believe it is necessary to agree the terms of our future partnership alongside our withdrawal, reaching agreement on both within the two years allowed by Article 50. 'I have always agreed with you that these two must go alongside one another, but if we are to get sufficient detail about our future partnership, we need to act now. We have made a significant move: it is for the EU now to respond in the same spirit. 'I do not agree with your characterisation of the policy we agreed at Cabinet on Friday. 'Parliament will decide whether or not to back the deal the Government negotiates, but that deal will undoubtedly mean the returning of powers from Brussels to the United Kingdom. 'The direct effect of EU law will end when we leave the EU. Where the UK chooses to apply a common rulebook, each rule will have to be agreed by Parliament. 'Choosing not to sign up to certain rules would lead to consequences for market access, security co-operation or the frictionless border, but that decision will rest with our sovereign Parliament, which will have a lock on whether to incorporate those rules into the UK legal order. 'I am sorry that the Government will not have the benefit of your continued expertise and counsel as we secure this deal and complete the process of leaving the EU, but I would like to thank you warmly for everything you have done over the past two years as Secretary of State to shape our departure from the EU, and the new role the UK will forge on the world stage as an independent, self-governing nation once again. 'You returned to Government after nineteen years to lead an entirely new Department responsible for a vital, complex, and unprecedented task. 'You have helped to steer through Parliament some of the most important legislation for generations, including the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017 and the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, which received Royal Assent last week. 'These landmark Acts, and what they will do, stand as testament to your work and our commitment to honouring the result of the referendum. 'Yours sincerely, Theresa May' Advertisement

Mr Davis, a former SAS reservist elected an MP in 1987, ran for the party leadership in 2005 but lost the election to David Cameron.

In 2008 he quit his role as shadow Home Secretary and stood down as an MP to force a by-election, which he intended to fight on the Labour government's record on civil liberties, although other major parties did not contest it.

After returning to the front bench in 2016 he had been at the centre of Brexit negotiations, but in recent months had become increasingly frustrated that he was losing influence.

He had written to the PM on the eve of the Chequers summit to say that the new plan was doomed to be rejected by Brussels and was a waste of the government's time.

Mr Davis was understood to have expressed fears that rubber stamping the plan at Chequers would delay progress because the EU will inevitably reject it – sending the UK back to the drawing board.

It is also claimed he objected to the way in which the Cabinet was treated at Chequers, where ministers were told to hand in their phones to avoid leaks.

An online poll of Tory members by the Conservative Home website revealed widespread unhappiness with the Chequers plan amongst the party faithful.

Some 61 per cent of the 1,225 respondents said that that proposal would be a bad deal for Britain, compared to 31 per cent who thought it would be good. A further eight per cent were unsure.

Brexiteer Tory MP Peter Bone also supported his decision to quit, saying: 'David Davis has done the right thing, a principled and brave decision. The PM's proposals for a Brexit in name only are not acceptable.'

Andrea Jenkyns MP tweeted: 'Fantastic news. Well done David Davis for having the principle and guts to resign. I take my hat off to you. We need to make sure this is now a game changer for Brexit.'

She also hailed Mr Baker as 'another courageous and principled MP'.

Ms Jenkyns, who quit a junior government role earlier this year to 'fight for Brexit', called on Boris Johnson to follow Mr Davis out of the government.

Fellow MP William Wragg, who campaigned for Brexit in the referendum, tweeted: 'I've reserved judgement on the Chequers' Brexit plan, but I have grave misgivings about it and understand entirely why @DavidDavisMP has found it necessary to resign. It was the right thing to do.'

And Laurence Robertson MP said: 'David Davis has taken the only genuine option available to him. Rather than just appoint someone else to replace him, the PM needs to recognise that his resignation represents the views of many Conservative MPs, activists and voters.'

Commons leader Andrea Leadsom, a Brexiteer, said there had been a 'very frank exchange of views' at Chequers on Friday.

Asked about Mr Davis's decision to quit, she told BBC Radio 4's The World at One programme: 'I'm sympathetic but I think he's wrong.

'I think it's a great shame and also a huge shame that Steve Baker has resigned.

'I just do not see it they way they do. In this new proposal we are upholding all of our red lines.'

Mrs Leadsom denied any knowledge of claims by ITV News that Mr Davis was offered her job - and even that of Mr Johnson - not to quit.

There are reports that the tactic was one of the things that most infuriated Mr Johnson into confirming his resignation.

Mrs Leadsom also risked provoking a fresh row by insisting EU citizens must not get preferential immigration treatment after Brexit.

Mrs May has carefully left open the possibility of a deal that will keep relatively fluid borders after the UK leaves the bloc.

But Mrs Leadsom said: 'Freedom of movement will end and there will be no special favours for EU citizens over anybody else with whom you might have visa reciprocity.'

Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery said: 'This is absolute chaos and Theresa May has no authority left.

'The Prime Minister is in office but not in power. She cannot deliver Brexit and our country is at a complete standstill, while the Tories indulge in their leadership tussling.

'We can't go on like this. Britain needs a functioning government.'

Key Corbyn ally John McDonnell said: 'With a Prime Minister incapable of holding her ministerial team together & with such instability in government it's impossible to see how EU leaders could take Theresa May seriously in the next round of negotiations.

'It's time for her & her party to put country before party & go.'

The country now faces the prospect of another early general election if Mrs May does not survive the Brexit rebellion.

Labour MP Seema Malhotra, who sits on the Commons Brexit Select Committee, tweeted: 'Will there be a domino effect?

'It's now not inconceivable that May is gone within days or weeks, the Tories are plunged into disarray and a general election called.'

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry listed the resignations of Government ministers since November last year - Sir Michael Fallon, Priti Patel, Damian Green, Amber Rudd, Justine Greening and now David Davis.

'There have been six resignations in 249 days. That's one every six weeks,' she said.

Under Mrs May's plans Britain would have a 'common rulebook' for food, farm and manufactured goods, shadowing EU regulations and intended to avoid friction at the border.

The PM pledged that Britain would be able to deliver an independent trade policy, with its own seat at the World Trade Organisation, the ability to set its own tariffs and secure deals with other countries.

Mr Davis and Mrs May (pictured across from each other at Chequers) are now in a war of words over her Brexit proposals

Mrs May initially secured support from ministers at her Chequers summit (pictured) but it has now potentially sparked a slew of resignations

Who are the Brexiteers in the Cabinet and what have they said about May's EU plans? Theresa May's fate as Prime Minister depends in large part on whether she can keep the support of her other Brexit backing Cabinet ministers in the wake of David Davis' devastating resignation. Since the key Chequers summit, some have toured the television studios backing the plans, while others have remained silent. Here are the Eurosceptic Cabinet ministers and what they have said about the PM's controversial 'third way'. Michael Gove, Environment Secretary The face of Vote Leave appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday to urge Brexiteers to back the plan. He said the proposal was not ideal, but would mean Britain was outside of the European Court and the political structures of the EU. He added: 'I'm a realist and one of the things about politics is you mustn't, you shouldn't make the perfect the enemy of the good.' Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary The Brexiteer co-wrote an Op-Ed for The Telegraph with Remainer Philip Hammond backing the PM's plan. They wrote: 'On Friday night the Cabinet united behind our Brexit deal or Britain – a vision that respects the referendum result, strengthens the union, maintains security and ensures our future prosperity. We now want to bring the country together around this vision and build a brighter future for Britain.' Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary: The leading face of Vote Leave has remained silent since David Davis' resignation. Some Tory MPs have urged him to follow the Brexit Secretary and quit. Penny Mordaunt, International Development Secretary: Another leading Brexiteers, she has remained silent since the crunch Chequers meeting. Andrea Leadsom, leader of the Commons Wrote an op-ed for the Sunday Express urging her colleagues to back the deal. She said the deal 'unshackles our businesses, it makes us a sovereign parliament, it gives us control over the numbers of people coming here, and it means no more vast payments to the EU'. Esther McVey, Work & Pensions Secretary The leading Brexiteer has not spoken publicly about the Chequers deal. Liam Fox, International Trade Secretary He penned an op-ed in The Sun on Sunday with Sajid Javid backing the deal. They wrote: 'At Chequers on Friday, the Cabinet agreed a collective plan to deliver on the next stage of Brexit. 'A plan that will allow us to take back control of our laws, money and borders, and protect British jobs in everything from fishing to manufacturing to financial services.' David Davis, Brexit Secretary His resignation has dealt a devastating blow to the the Government - and Theresa May's authority. His fiery resignation letter tore into the PM's approach warning it has made it 'less and less likely' Britain will truly leave the EU's single market and customs union, and warns 'the general direction of policy will leave us in at best a weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one.' Advertisement

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had backed the proposals at Chequers despite claiming that defending the plans was like 'polishing a t***' during the meeting.

But arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg hit out at the 'defeatism' in the Government's plans, warning that he would vote against them - and suggested other Eurosceptics may do the same.

Brexiteer Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen said: 'I can't support the offer which emerged at Chequers - I think it's a breach of the red lines, in fact the offer is so poor that I couldn't support it even if the EU were paying us for it.

'Obviously if the Government and the Prime Minister continue to support that very poor offer then I won't have any confidence in the Government or the Prime Minister.'

He said he would 'listen to what the Prime Minister has got to say on Monday evening at the 1922 Committee' before deciding what action to take.

Mr Bridgen said he was 'deeply disappointed' with Brexiteer ministers that they 'didn't pick up the cudgels and prevent the Cabinet supporting this offer which I think is a huge mistake for our country, for the party, for the Government and for the Prime Minister'.

In full: Boris Johnson's damning resignation letter to Theresa May Dear Theresa It is more than two years since the British people voted to leave the European Union on an unambiguous and categorical promise that if they did so they would be taking back control of their democracy. They were told that they would be able to manage their own immigration policy, repatriate the sums of UK cash currently spent by the EU, and, above all, that they would be able to pass laws independently and in the interests of the people of this country. Brexit should be about opportunity and hope. It should be a chance to do things differently, to be more nimble and dynamic, and to maximise the particular advantages of the UK as an open, outward-looking global economy. That dream is dying, suffocated by needless self-doubt. We have postponed crucial decisions – including the preparations for no deal, as I argued in my letter to you of last November – with the result that we appear to be heading for a semi-Brexit, with large parts of the economy still locked in the EU system, but with no UK control over that system. It now seems that the opening bid of our negotiations involves accepting that we are not actually going to be able to make our own laws. Indeed we seem to have gone backwards since the last Chequers meeting in February, when I described my frustrations, as Mayor of London, in trying to protect cyclists from juggernauts. We had wanted to lower the cabin windows to improve visibility; and even though such designs were already on the market, and even though there had been a horrific spate of deaths, mainly of female cyclists, we were told that we had to wait for the EU to legislate on the matter. So at the previous Chequers session, we thrashed out an elaborate procedure for divergence from EU rules. But even that seems to have been taken of the table and there is in fact no easy UK right of initiative. Yet if Brexit is to mean anything, it must surely give ministers and Parliament the chance to do things differently to protect the public. If a country cannot pass a law to save the lives of female cyclists – when that proposal is supported at every level of UK Government – then I don't see how that country can truly be called independent. It is also also clear that by surrendering control over our rulebook for goods and agrifoods (and much else besides) we will make it much more difficult to do free trade deals. And then there is the further impediment of having to argue for an impractical and undeliverable customs arrangement unlike any other in existence Conversely, the British Government has spent decades arguing against this or that EU directive, on the grounds that it was too burdensome or ill-thought out. We are now in the ludicrous position of asserting that we must accept huge amounts of precisely such EU law, without changing an iota, because it is essential for our economic health – and when we no longer have any ability to influence these laws as they are made. In that respect we are truly headed for the status of colony – and many will struggle to see the economic or political advantages of that particular arrangement. It is also clear that by surrendering control over our rulebook for goods and agrifoods (and much else besides) we will make it much more difficult to do free trade deals. And then there is the further impediment of having to argue for an impractical and undeliverable customs arrangement unlike any other in existence. What is even more disturbing is that this is our opening bid. This is already how we see the end state for the UK – before the other side has made its counter-offer. It is as though we are sending our vanguard into battle with the white flags fluttering above them. Indeed, I was concerned, looking at Friday's document, that there might be further concessions on immigration, or that we might end up effectively paying for access to the single market. On Friday I acknowledged that my side of the argument were too few to prevail, and congratulated you on at least reaching a Cabinet decision on the way forward. As I said then, the Government now has a song to sing. The trouble is that I have practised the words over the weekend and find that they stick in the throat. We must have collective responsibility. Since I cannot in all conscience champion these proposals, I have sadly concluded that I must go. I am proud to have served as Foreign Secretary in your Government. As I step down I would like first to thank the patient officers of the Metropolitan Police who have looked after me and my family, at times in demanding circumstances. I am proud too of the extraordinary men and women of our diplomatic service. Over the last few months they have shown how many friends this country has around the world, as 28 governments expelled Russian spies in an unprecedented protest at the attempted assassination of the Skripals. They have organised a highly successful Commonwealth summit and secured record international support for this Government's campaign for 12 ears of quality education for every girl, and much more besides. As I leave office, the FCO now has the largest and by far the most effective diplomatic network of any country in Europe – a continent which we will never leave. THE RT HON BORIS JOHNSON MP Advertisement

The Prime Minister was set to insist that the plan, which would see the UK share a 'common rulebook' for goods as part of a proposal to create a UK-EU free trade area, still meets her Brexit red lines.

She will say: 'This is the Brexit that is in our national interest. It is the Brexit that will deliver on the democratic decision of the British people.

Mrs May will also hit back at claims that the plan could hinder Britain's ability to strike trade deals after Brexit, saying: 'They are wrong.'

She will add: 'When we have left the EU the UK will have our own independent trade policy – with our own seat at the World Trade Organisation and the ability to set tariffs for our trade with the rest of the world.'

Mrs May will say her plan will mean 'a complete end to freedom of movement, taking back control of our borders' as well as 'no more sending vast sums of money each year to the EU' and 'the freedom to strike new trade deals around the world'.

Michael Gove was previously lashed as the 'snake in the grass' responsible for betraying the referendum yesterday but he insisted May's Brexit blueprint would honour the 2016 vote.

Rees-Mogg will oppose Brexit agreement Jacob Rees-Mogg has revealed he will oppose Theresa May's 'misfounded' Cabinet agreement. The influential backbencher, who leads a 60-strong group of Tory Brexiteers, also warned that other Eurosceptic MPs will follow suit. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said: 'If the proposals are as they currently appear, I will vote against them and others may well do the same.' He went on to describe the Chequers deal as 'the ultimate statement of managing decline'. He said: 'It focuses on avoiding risk, not on the world of opportunity outside the EU. Pragmatism has come to mean defeatism. Jacob Rees-Mogg has revealed he will oppose Theresa May's 'misfounded' Cabinet agreement 'We seek a new and equal partnership. not partial membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half in, half out. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave. 'Tying the UK to transcribing the EU rule book to the letter rather than agreeing shared results will leave large barriers to trade with the rest of the world. 'There is unhelpful ambiguity in the text which could lead to results that are the opposite of those implied by the briefings that have been given. 'For example, the conclusion boasts that free movement will end, whereas in fact the agreement could be used to open it up again. 'It proposes 'a mobility framework so that UK and EU citizens can continue to travel to each other's territories and apply for study and work'. 'The same unclear construction applies to the ending of 'vast annual payments to the EU budget'. 'As Norway and Switzerland pay for preferential access, does this mean simply 'large' payments but not vast ones? 'If the Brexit Secretary cannot support them they cannot be very good proposals. It was an attempt to bounce the cabinet. It was a serious mistake.' Advertisement

Asked if the plan was everything he hoped for, Mr Gove told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: 'No, but then I'm a realist and one of the things about politics is you mustn't, you shouldn't make the perfect the enemy of the good.'

In a sign of the anger and division amongst the Eurosceptics, backbench MPs yesterday said they had sent messages to the Brexiteers in the Cabinet, asking: 'Where is your backbone?'

Some Remain-supporting politicians said the resignation of Mr Davis was evidence of the need for a second referendum.

Baron Adonis, a prominent backer of the move, tweeted: 'People's Vote to put Brexit out of its misery a big step closer after DD's resignation. Now the Brexiters holding Mrs May hostage are falling out, there isn't a majority for ANY withdrawal treaty in Parliament.'

The Liberal Democrats called on people to sign a petition for a vote on the Brexit deal, adding: 'The resignation of David Davis is yet more evidence of the chaos of this Tory Brexit. You deserve the final say on this shambolic Brexit with the chance to stay in the EU.'

Meanwhile EU diplomats last night criticised Theresa May's new Brexit plan for taking a 'have cake and eat it' approach to the single market.

The Prime Minister will have to water down her proposals even further to please Brussels and strike a deal, European leaders and officials believe.

EU negotiators want to study the full 120-page White Paper – to be published by Downing Street on Thursday – but yesterday expressed scepticism about whether the new British plan will be acceptable to Brussels.

The main sticking point is Mrs May's proposal to keep the UK tied to the EU on goods and agricultural products only.

The bloc has long warned it will not accept any 'cherry-picking' in relation to the single market's four freedoms on goods, services, people and capital.

Simon Coveney, Ireland's minister for foreign affairs and trade, said the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, will find it 'difficult' to accept the proposal.

He added: 'The EU has never been keen to facilitate a breaking up of an approach toward the single market in terms of keeping all of the elements of the single market intact and consistent, so I think Britain will find it difficult to persuade the EU to support the approach they're now proposing.

'Michel Barnier will be a very, very strong defender of the EU interests here, in terms of protecting the integrity of the single market and the integrity of the EU customs union.'

Prime Minister Theresa May has faced a series of Cabinet members leaving their positions since the snap election last June.

The first to leave was defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who resigned his post after being caught up in Westminster sleaze allegations.

He said his behaviour had 'fallen below the high standards required' after he admitted putting his hand on the knee of radio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer some years ago when he resigned on November 1.

One week later, Priti Patel quit as international development secretary over undisclosed and unauthorised meetings in Israel, including with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In her resignation letter, she echoed the words of Sir Michael, saying her actions 'fell below the high standards' expected.

The following month, Ms May's deputy Damian Green left the Cabinet after a probe found he made 'inaccurate and misleading' statements about pornography on his computer.

Justine Greening was sacked in the PM's reshuffle in January after refusing to move from her education post to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Home secretary Amber Rudd resigned in April after admitting she had 'inadvertently' misled MPs over the existence of targets for removing illegal immigrants over the Windrush scandal.

David Davis: Departed Brexit Minister who challenged David Cameron for the Conservative leadership Mr Davis was elected for Haltemprice and Howden in 1997, having originally sat for Boothferry since 1987. He read molecular science at Warwick University and studied management at Harvard after shining at grammar school. The married father-of-three first honed his negotiating skills in the cut-throat world of big business. He enjoyed corporate success in his thirties as a director of Tate and Lyle and President of Zymaize, a loss-making Canadian sweetener manufacturer which he turned into a gold mine. Mr Davis became politically active as a student, cutting an imposing figure even then as chairman of the Federation of Conservative Students. A man with brawn as well as brains, he served as an SAS reservist to help fund himself through college, before entering Parliament in 1987. He had a tough upbringing by a single mother in a Labour working-class household in south London, and still bears the scar on his upper lip from a crowbar attack in Brixton. The two-time unsuccessful Conservative leadership contender gained a fearsome reputation after taking a series of ministerial scalps in a previous role of shadow home secretary. Among those he claims as his victims are former home secretaries David Blunkett and Charles Clarke and ex-home office minister Beverley Hughes. In June 2008, as shadow home secretary, he shocked Westminster by announcing that he was resigning as an MP to 'take a stand' against the terror detention plan, sparking a by-election that saw him hold his Haltemprice and Howden seat. Davis (left) ran against David Cameron (right) for the Tory leadership after Michael Howard resigned in 2005 but lost the election He was regarded by many as the likely next Tory leader after Michael Howard announced he was to resign, but after a weak campaign - in his second tilt at the leadership - he was soundly beaten in 2005. His rival, David Cameron, had caught the mood with his careful presentation and youthful optimism. In the 2001 leadership contest, Mr Davis cut his losses and quit after twice finishing way down the pack in early ballots of Tory MPs, throwing his support behind Iain Duncan Smith. The contest successfully raised his profile and Mr Duncan Smith appointed him party chairman. A libertarian who was never afraid to speak his mind, even if his opinions fell outside the party line, he worked closely with former Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti. His friendship with former Downing Street spin chief Alastair Campbell raised Conservative eyebrows. Mr Davis once revealed that he offered to buy Mr Campbell's old newspaper the Daily Mirror so the former journalist could edit it. He put their unlikely friendship down to his liking for 'strong mavericks' and there is something of that description in him. Despite Eurosceptic views, he acted as a whip for John Major during the bruising battle to ratify the Maastricht Treaty. Mr Davis has previously listed mountaineering, parachuting and flying light aircraft among his more athletic pursuits. Advertisement