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May says new PM would have to delay Brexit if she loses confidence vote – politics live May says new PM would have to delay Brexit if she loses confidence vote – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said today that businesses are watching events at Westminster with “utter dismay”. He said:
At one of the most pivotal moments for the UK economy in decades, it is unacceptable that Westminster politicians have chosen to focus on themselves, rather than on the needs of the country.
The utter dismay amongst businesses watching events in Westminster cannot be exaggerated. Our firms are worried, investors around the world are baffled and disappointed, and markets are showing serious strain as this political saga goes on and on.
History will not be kind to those who prioritise political advantage over people’s livelihoods.
Businesses need politicians, regardless of party or views on Brexit, to understand that their high-stakes gambles have real-world consequences of the highest order.
This is from Jackson Carlaw MSP, acting leader of the Scottish Conservatives while Ruth Davidson is on maternity leave.
Today’s Leadership contest is a self indulgent distraction at a critical time for the country. Conservatives must unite behind @theresa_mayShe continues to have my full support.
The ConservativeHome website carries out regular surveys of Conservative party members as to whom they would like to see as the next part leader. For the record, here are their most recent findings, from early November. Boris Johnson, the former foreign secretary, and Sajid Javid, the home secretary, were the two favourites.
It is only a survey, but these ConservativeHome surveys have a reasonably good record when it comes to indicating how the membership as a whole will vote in party elections.
Prof Tim Bale, an academic who has written a history of the modern Conservative party, has been talking about possible leadership candidates at an event hosted by the UK in a Changing Europe thinktank this morning. My colleague Lisa O’Carroll has posted the highlights on Twitter.
Prof Tim Bale - leaver candidate likely to replay May. Boris won't. - Sajid Javid, might be the fresh start- Jeremy Hunt - 'complete opposite to Boris Johnson, looks like he knows what he is doing but not going to inspire anyone'
As Tim Bale reminds media this morn - Churchill became leader while Neville chamberlain (who had stepped down) still in place. Chamberlain served in Churchill's cabinet as lord president of the council.
Prof Tim Bale's character analysis cont'd- Gove - has an awful lot of respect despite what he did to Boris. Seen to be a serious politician. But think Conservatives will judge his appeal to voters limited. Raab - next tweet
Prof Tim Bale character analysis cont'd (Boris, Hunt, Gove in prev tweets) - Raab - he is almost the boring choice of the leaves. He does not seem too risky. Doesn't have track record of betrayal of Gove. If you're looking for someone not to risky, he might be the man
And Prof Bale on Rudd's chances- she is the candidate who could work with Labour. "She is clearly a good communicator, her one problem is her majority" [in Hastings] (also wd be difficult for remainer to run but could be interim PM)
Here is the full text of the statement that Theresa May delivered outside Number 10.
Sir Graham Brady has confirmed that he has received 48 letters from Conservative MPs so there will now be a vote of confidence in my leadership of the Conservative party.
I will contest that vote with everything I’ve got. I have been a member of the Conservative party for over 40 years. I have served it as an activist, councillor, MP, shadow minister, home secretary and now as prime minister.
I stood to be leader because I believe in the Conservative vision for a better future. A thriving economy, with nowhere and nobody left behind. A stronger society, where everyone can make the most of their talents. Always serving the national interest.
And at this crucial moment in our history, that means securing a Brexit deal that delivers on the result of the EU referendum.
Taking back control of our borders, laws and money - but protecting jobs, our security and our precious union as we do so.
Through good times and bad over the last two years, my passionate belief that such a deal is attainable, that a bright future lies ahead for our country, has not wavered.
And it is now within our grasp.
I spent yesterday meeting Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Rutte, President Tusk and President Juncker to address the concerns that MPs have with the backstop – and we are making progress.
I was due to travel to Dublin this afternoon to continue that work – but will now remain here in London to make the case for my leadership with my parliamentary colleagues.
A change of leadership in the Conservative party now will put our country’s future at risk and create uncertainty when we can least afford it.
A new leader wouldn’t be in place by the 21st January legal deadline, so a leadership election risks handing control of the Brexit negotiations to opposition MPs in parliament.
The new leader wouldn’t have time to renegotiate a withdrawal agreement and get the legislation through parliament by 29 March – so one of their first acts would have to be extending or rescinding article 50, delaying – or even stopping – Brexit when people want us to get on with it.
And a leadership election would not change the fundamentals of the negotiation or the parliamentary arithmetic.
Weeks spent tearing ourselves apart will only create more division, just as we should be standing together to serve our country. None of that would be in the national interest.
The only people whose interests would be served are Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.
The British people want us to get on with it. And they want us to focus on the other vital issues that matter to them too. Building a stronger economy, delivering first-class public services and the homes that families need.
These are the public’s priorities - and they must be the Conservative party’s priorities too. We must – and we shall – deliver on the referendum vote and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
But the Conservatives must not be a single-issue party; we are a party of the whole nation. Moderate, pragmatic, mainstream: committed to re-uniting our country and building a country that works for everyone - the agenda I set out in my first speech outside this front door.
Delivering the Brexit people voted for. Building a country that works for everyone. I have devoted myself unsparingly to these tasks ever since I became prime minister.
And I stand ready to finish the job.
This is from Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chair of the European Research Group who went public with his call for a no confidence vote three weeks ago.
The Country needs a new leader, it is time for Mrs May to resign.
Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, told Today she was not surprised that Theresa May was facing a confidence vote. She said:Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, told Today she was not surprised that Theresa May was facing a confidence vote. She said:
I can’t say I’m surprised because being here in Westminster yesterday I did realise there were a lot of conversations going on. However, my focus of course has to continue to be on the withdrawal agreement and the fact that the backstop needs to be taken out of that withdrawal agreement.I can’t say I’m surprised because being here in Westminster yesterday I did realise there were a lot of conversations going on. However, my focus of course has to continue to be on the withdrawal agreement and the fact that the backstop needs to be taken out of that withdrawal agreement.
On BBC News Sir Bill Cash, the Tory Brexiter, was asked who should be the next leader. He refused to give a firm answer, but he said Dominic Raab, the former Brexit secretary, “has a lot going for him”.On BBC News Sir Bill Cash, the Tory Brexiter, was asked who should be the next leader. He refused to give a firm answer, but he said Dominic Raab, the former Brexit secretary, “has a lot going for him”.
The European Research Group, which represents Tory MPs like Cash pushing for a harder Brexit, is planning its own hustings if there is a leadership contest. Steve Baker, its deputy chair, has said the Brexiters should only support one candidate and that it should be someone with cabinet experience who is not backing Theresa May’s deal. That means either Boris Johnson, David Davis, Raab or Esther McVey.The European Research Group, which represents Tory MPs like Cash pushing for a harder Brexit, is planning its own hustings if there is a leadership contest. Steve Baker, its deputy chair, has said the Brexiters should only support one candidate and that it should be someone with cabinet experience who is not backing Theresa May’s deal. That means either Boris Johnson, David Davis, Raab or Esther McVey.
But there is no evidence that Johnson, Davis and Raab (the strongest contenders) would be willing to agree among themselves on just one of them standing.But there is no evidence that Johnson, Davis and Raab (the strongest contenders) would be willing to agree among themselves on just one of them standing.
Here are some more Conservative MPs tweeting their support for May.Here are some more Conservative MPs tweeting their support for May.
From Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the CommonsFrom Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the Commons
Vital to support @theresa_may today. She is working hard in the interest of the U.K. to get a good Brexit deal and she has my full support.Vital to support @theresa_may today. She is working hard in the interest of the U.K. to get a good Brexit deal and she has my full support.
From Liz Truss, chief secretary to the TreasuryFrom Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury
I fully support the Prime Minister and believe it would be completely wrong to have a leadership election now. She is the right person to deliver Brexit and has shown herself to be strong and determined.I fully support the Prime Minister and believe it would be completely wrong to have a leadership election now. She is the right person to deliver Brexit and has shown herself to be strong and determined.
From David Mundell, the Scottish secretaryFrom David Mundell, the Scottish secretary
PM has my full support. A leadership contest is the last thing we need. The public want us to sort #Brexit now!PM has my full support. A leadership contest is the last thing we need. The public want us to sort #Brexit now!
From Steve Brine, a health ministerFrom Steve Brine, a health minister
I will be supporting the Prime Minister in tonight’s confidence vote. This is about the national interest not personalities and naked ambition. Theresa May has the most difficult job imaginable and I think, whatever your view of Brexit, this is a time to stand together.I will be supporting the Prime Minister in tonight’s confidence vote. This is about the national interest not personalities and naked ambition. Theresa May has the most difficult job imaginable and I think, whatever your view of Brexit, this is a time to stand together.
Here is the key passage from Theresa May’s statement.Here is the key passage from Theresa May’s statement.
A change of leadership in the Conservative party now would put our country’s future at risk and create uncertainty when we can least afford it.A change of leadership in the Conservative party now would put our country’s future at risk and create uncertainty when we can least afford it.
A new leader wouldn’t be in place by the 21 January legal deadline, so a leadership election risks handing control of the Brexit negotiations to opposition MPs in parliament.A new leader wouldn’t be in place by the 21 January legal deadline, so a leadership election risks handing control of the Brexit negotiations to opposition MPs in parliament.
The new leader wouldn’t have time to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement and get the legislation through parliament by 29 March, so one of their first acts would have to be extending or rescinding article 50, delaying or even stopping Brexit when people want us to get on with it.The new leader wouldn’t have time to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement and get the legislation through parliament by 29 March, so one of their first acts would have to be extending or rescinding article 50, delaying or even stopping Brexit when people want us to get on with it.
And a leadership election would not change the fundamentals of the negotiation, or the parliamentary arithmetic. Weeks spent tearing ourselves apart will only create more division just as we should be standing together to serve our country. None of that would be in the national interest. The only people whose interests would be served would be Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.And a leadership election would not change the fundamentals of the negotiation, or the parliamentary arithmetic. Weeks spent tearing ourselves apart will only create more division just as we should be standing together to serve our country. None of that would be in the national interest. The only people whose interests would be served would be Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.
Here are some more comments from Tory MPs supporting Theresa May.Here are some more comments from Tory MPs supporting Theresa May.
From Liam Fox, the international trade secretaryFrom Liam Fox, the international trade secretary
I will support the Prime Minister @theresa_may tonight. This is a totally inappropriate time to have a contest. The country expects us to provide stability not damaging division.I will support the Prime Minister @theresa_may tonight. This is a totally inappropriate time to have a contest. The country expects us to provide stability not damaging division.
From Damian Hinds, the education secretaryFrom Damian Hinds, the education secretary
Let’s all get behind @Theresa_May to complete the job on brexit and keep on delivering on jobs & growth and tackling injustices. A leadership challenge does nothing to secure brexit, and is the last thing our country, or the party, needs at this critical time.Let’s all get behind @Theresa_May to complete the job on brexit and keep on delivering on jobs & growth and tackling injustices. A leadership challenge does nothing to secure brexit, and is the last thing our country, or the party, needs at this critical time.
From Chris Grayling, the transport secretaryFrom Chris Grayling, the transport secretary
I will be backing Theresa May tonight. At this crucial point, the last thing the country needs is a prolonged and introspective leadership contest.I will be backing Theresa May tonight. At this crucial point, the last thing the country needs is a prolonged and introspective leadership contest.
I was one of the first cabinet ministers to back Brexit. Delivering a deal was never going to be simple.I was one of the first cabinet ministers to back Brexit. Delivering a deal was never going to be simple.
Theresa May is the best person to make sure we actually leave the EU and deliver on the Brexit that I and the people of our great country voted for.Theresa May is the best person to make sure we actually leave the EU and deliver on the Brexit that I and the people of our great country voted for.
From Sir Peter BottomleyFrom Sir Peter Bottomley
I guess some of the late letters are from people who want to halt the negotiations. I think they want us to crash out.I guess some of the late letters are from people who want to halt the negotiations. I think they want us to crash out.
From Andrew BowieFrom Andrew Bowie
I firmly believe that [May] will win the leadership election; now is not the time to embark on a selfish leadership election when so much is at stake in the national interest.I firmly believe that [May] will win the leadership election; now is not the time to embark on a selfish leadership election when so much is at stake in the national interest.
Theresa May says she is going to contest the confidence vote “with everything I’ve got”.Theresa May says she is going to contest the confidence vote “with everything I’ve got”.
She says she has been a member of the party for 40 years, and has served it in various posts, including as PM.She says she has been a member of the party for 40 years, and has served it in various posts, including as PM.
She has done so because she wants a better future for the country.She has done so because she wants a better future for the country.
And her priority now is delivering Brexit.And her priority now is delivering Brexit.
She says she has a passionate belief that a better future is available. And that is now within the country’s grasp.She says she has a passionate belief that a better future is available. And that is now within the country’s grasp.
She met EU leaders yesterday. She was due to go to Dublin today. She says having a new leader now would put “our country’s future at risk”.She met EU leaders yesterday. She was due to go to Dublin today. She says having a new leader now would put “our country’s future at risk”.
She says a new leader would not have time time reopen the negotiations, and so parliament would be able to take over the process.She says a new leader would not have time time reopen the negotiations, and so parliament would be able to take over the process.
And she says that a new leader would have to delay or revoke article 50.And she says that a new leader would have to delay or revoke article 50.
May says if she is replaced a new leader would have to delay Brexit.May says if she is replaced a new leader would have to delay Brexit.
She says the only people who would benefit would be Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.She says the only people who would benefit would be Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.
She says the Conservatives are a modern, pragmatic party.She says the Conservatives are a modern, pragmatic party.
She refers to the agenda she set out in her “burning injustices” speech when she became PM. She intends to finish the job, she says.She refers to the agenda she set out in her “burning injustices” speech when she became PM. She intends to finish the job, she says.
Here is the press release from the Conservative 1922 Committee announcing the no confidence vote.Here is the press release from the Conservative 1922 Committee announcing the no confidence vote.
On Sky News Sir Graham Brady says, if Theresa May loses the confidence vote and there is a leadership contest, the parliamentary bit of the contest - when Tory MPs whittle down the contenders to a shortlist of two - could be completed relatively quickly, within 10 days.On Sky News Sir Graham Brady says, if Theresa May loses the confidence vote and there is a leadership contest, the parliamentary bit of the contest - when Tory MPs whittle down the contenders to a shortlist of two - could be completed relatively quickly, within 10 days.
But it would be for the party’s board to decide how long the ballot of members (who get to decide between the final two under Tory party rules) would take.But it would be for the party’s board to decide how long the ballot of members (who get to decide between the final two under Tory party rules) would take.
On the Today programme Sir Graham Brady said that Theresa May would address the backbench 1922 Committee at 5pm tonight.
The confidence vote will then be held between 6pm and 8pm, with the result announced soon afterwards.
So here is the timetable for the day.
12pm: Theresa May faces Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs.
2pm: May chairs cabinet.
5pm: May addresses the 1922 Committee.
6pm: The no confidence ballot opens.
8pm: The ballot closes. The result is announced soon afterwards.
Barry Gardiner, the shadow international trade secretary, is on Today. He says if Labour had tabled a motion of no confidence in the government yesterday, that would have galvanised support for the PM.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Matthew Weaver.
Theresa May is expected to make a statement outside Number 10 any minute now.
The justice secretary, David Gauke, said that if May loses tonight an article 50 extension will have to be sought from the EU.
“Clearly there would have to be a delay,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
If she loses tonight I think whoever is prime minister will have to delay article 50.
Gauke says there would have to be a delay in Article 50 if there was a leadership contest - that is what May loyalists will say all day - that's possible, but not necessarily the case - it could be done more quickly, and if she lost there could be caretaker PM
More cabinet ministers have vowed to back May in the vote.
I am backing the Prime Minister 100% - and I urge every Conservative MP to do the same. She is battling hard for our country and no one is better placed to ensure we deliver on the British people’s decision to leave the EU.
Just about to appear on @BBCr4today. Theresa May will have my full support. Removing her would be self indulgent and irresponsible.
I’m voting for the Prime Minister tonight and urge all colleagues to do the same. We should all be focussed on coming together for the sake of the future of the country
The Prime Minister has my full support, not least because she has always done what she firmly believes is in the national interest. Our country needs us all to fight for a good deal and prepare for a no deal senario. All eyes and hands should be on that task.
I admire the grit and determination the Prime Minister has shown and I strongly support her. The last thing businesses across our country need at this crucial time is even more uncertainty. I hope all my colleagues will join me & back @theresa_may
Theresa May is due to make a statement in Downing Street at 8.30am.
Asked about May’s mood, Brady said it would be difficult for anyone to be surprised by the turn of events. He said he would not be drawn on her demeanour. But he said she was being “businesslike” about the no-confidence vote.
Graham Brady has refused to say how many no-confidence letters he has received. “I am only required to say the threshold was reached,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Brady told the prime minister the threshold was reached in a telephone call last night. May was keen to resolve the matter as soon as possible, Brady said.
Cabinet ministers and several Tory MPs have been vowing to back Theresa 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
The PM has my full support. At this critical time we need to support and work with the PM to deliver on leaving the EU, & our domestic agenda - ambitious for improvements to people’s lives & to build on growth of wages & jobs.
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
Strongly support @theresa_may to continue as Leader of @Conservatives and Prime Minister. Now is not the time for this distraction and even more uncertainty. We need to get behind the Prime Minister in the best interests of our country.
I will be supporting @theresa_may to continue as leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister in today's vote
Theresa May has my absolute confidence as Prime Minister and Leader of the Party. Changing leader at this crucial point would be a huge mistake for the country and the Conservative Party.
I am backing @theresa_may tonight. We do not need further instability and division. Colleagues need to think of the National interest.
Clearly I’m disappointed that some in my party have triggered a vote of no confidence just as the PM is having a series of international meetings to deliver Brexit. I will, of course, be voting in support of Theresa May.
Any colleague who believes changing our leader during the negotiations is in our country's interest should think again. I will be supporting the Prime Minister tonight.
Tonight I’ll vote to support Theresa May, the most steadfast, resilient Prime Minister - today the country deserves better than a self-involved Conservative Party
I’ll be supporting @theresa_may tonight. No question.
I have every confidence in our Prime Minister and I will be supporting her tonight.
Backing @theresa_may tonight. I want to deliver on vote in 2016 & leave EU with a deal which works for both jobs & communities. We simply don’t need additional instability & division.We truly need to think of National interest-so then Parliament too must listen & deliver Brexit
I will be supporting the Prime Minister in the vote tonight. She has worked to deliver the best Brexit deal for this country. She deserves our full support.
A leadership contest is the last thing we need. I’ll be supporting Theresa May this evening. Delivering a negotiated Brexit which avoids no deal was always going to involve compromises. But no one has offered a credible alternative strategy. Time for loyalty!
The Prime Minister @theresa_may has my full support. I have always said that she is the best person for the country and the Conservative Party. Her deal with the EU is what we need to protect jobs, security and the economy. Tonight I will be backing her 🗳
Welcome to Politics Live after Conservative MPs have triggered a vote of no confidence in Theresa May, plunging the Brexit process into further chaos
Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee, has received at least 48 letters from Conservative MPs calling for a vote of no confidence in May. Under party rules, a contest is triggered if 15% of Conservative MPs write to the chair of the committee of Tory backbenchers.
A ballot will be held on Wednesday evening, Brady said.
In a press release, he said: “The threshold of 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative party has been exceeded.”
The prime minister will now need the backing of at least 158 Tory MPs to see off the Brexiters’ challenge, and her position would then be safe for 12 months. However, the prime minister could decide to resign if votes against her were below the threshold to topple her, but significant enough in number.
Brexit in chaos as MPs trigger vote of no confidence in May