Update – 08:41: Theresa May is expected to make a statement to the Commons soon. This can be watched here.
We will be updating this story as it happens here and on Twitter.
Full story: Conservatives trigger vote of no confidence in Theresa May
Brexit plans were thrown into chaos this morning as it was confirmed that the Conservative party had triggered a vote of no-confidence against Theresa May.
Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee, has received the minimum 48 letters of no-confidence from Tory MPs needed to launch a motion against May.
A ballot will be held on Wednesday evening between 6pm and 8pm, Brady said, with votes counted “immediately afterwards and an announcement will be made as soon as possible”.
On Tuesday, former environment secretary Owen Paterson became the latest to call for a vote of no-confidence, publishing his ‘letter of no-confidence’ in the Telegraph, where he wrote that “the Prime Minister’s proposed “deal” is so bad that it cannot be considered anything other than a betrayal of clear manifesto promises.”
Earlier today, Brady had originally declined to comment on the reports of a vote, though he had requested to meet with May after today’s ‘Prime Minister’s Question’s’ session, most likely after midday.
The Independent and BBC both opened today with ‘unconfirmed reports’ that enough votes have been submitted toSir Graham Brady, the chairman of the Conservative’s 1922 committee – the criteria needed to begin a vote of no-confidence in the prime minister.
As details of the Brexit deal became known to MPs over the past several weeks, more and more concerned voices grow within the party, opposing the deal in parliament and calling for it to be scrapped altogether. Elements of the Brexit deal such as the Northern Ireland backstop have led rebel Tories to publicly submit letters of no-confidence.
Who could replace May?
Though a vote has only just been launched, for weeks there has been speculation over could replace Theresa May as the new PM.
Some of the favourites include Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, environment secretary Michael Gove, and hardline Brexiter Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Both Sajid, and Jeremy Hunt, both of who have been considered candidates in the past, tweeted their supposed support for May:
The last thing our country needs right now is a Conservative Party leadership election. Will be seen as self-indulgent and wrong. PM has my full support and is best person to ensure we leave EU on 29 March
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) December 12, 2018
I am backing @theresa_may tonight. Being PM most difficult job imaginable right now and the last thing the country needs is a damaging and long leadership contest. Brexit was never going to be easy but she is the best person to make sure we actually leave the EU on March 29
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) December 12, 2018
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