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Labour today demanded an urgent meeting with civil servants to prepare for office in case Brexit topples Theresa May.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell wrote to the head of the Treasury in a bid to prepare a "smooth transfer of power".

It comes as Theresa May faces almost certain defeat for her Brexit deal in Parliament on December 11.

Mr McDonnell told Tom Scholar, the Treasury's Permanent Secretary, that an early election could come "at any time".

He said Labour is working on an "initial post-election Budget" and spending review to look again at Tory cuts.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Mr McDonnell wrote: "I'm writing to seek a meeting with you to discuss our thoughts and proposals given the potential for an early election.

"In view of the current instability in government, as a result of which an election could come at any time, I believe it behoves us to make suitable preparations now to ensure there is a smooth transfer of power - obviously depending on the outcome of that election".

Labour held similar meetings with civil servants ahead of the general election last year.

(Image: REUTERS)

Mr McDonnell told TalkRadio the party is working on an "implementation manual", "fundings" and "drafting up legislation" in case there is a snap poll.

MPs believe Theresa May is likely to face a no confidence vote if her deal is defeated on December 11.

This could come in two forms.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Will Theresa May win the Brexit deal vote? Theresa May has a Brexit deal, but the danger is looming that it will be defeated in the House of Commons. Even getting it past her Cabinet forced Esther McVey and Dominic Raab to resign. Now she faces one more hurdle - a vote in Parliament on December 11. MPs are grouped in several factions - their warring opinions are explained more fully here. But if 318 or more vote against the deal, they will defeat the deal. Against the deal TORY BREXITEERS: There are up to about 80, led by Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg, threatening to vote down a deal that keeps Britain trapped in "vassalage" with Brussels. Not all are expected to live up to their threats. TORY HARD REMAINERS: Only about a dozen, but many - including Justine Greening and Jo Johnson - will vote against, instead wanting a second referendum. DUP: Theresa May's Northern Irish allies - who she handed £1.5bn - are 10-strong. They say they will vote down the deal. LABOUR LOYALISTS: About 150 MPs are consistently loyal to Jeremy Corbyn on Brexit. They'll be told to vote against the deal because it doesn't meet Labour's 'six tests'. LABOUR REMAINERS: There are about 50 hard Remainer Labour MPs. They're likely to oppose the deal to avoid enabling a Brexit. OTHERS: The SNP (35), Lib Dems (12), Plaid Cymru (4) and Greens (1) are all likely to vote against. For the deal TORY LOYALISTS: Well over 200 are likely to vote with Theresa May, for the deal. Many have paid government jobs - so would have to quit if they oppose her. 'NERVOUS LABOUR': Some Labour MPs could BACK a deal - fearing otherwise Britain will be plunged into an even worse No Deal. There could be 20 or more. Caroline Flint is among them. Unknown LABOUR BREXITEERS: There are only about half a dozen. It was generally thought they'd side with Theresa May, but Kate Hoey MP broke ranks and said she could vote against.

She could be ousted if there is a Tory leadership contest - which would need half of Tory MPs to topple her.

Or there could be a Parliamentary vote of no confidence in the whole government. This would need half of all MPs of all parties, and could - through a long process - trigger a general election.

Today the PM renewed claims the only options available were her deal, no-deal or no Brexit.

Mrs May told Sky News: "The European Union has made clear that this is the deal that is on the table.”