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May says new PM would have to delay Brexit if she loses confidence vote – politics live Theresa May says new PM would have to delay Brexit if she loses confidence vote – politics live
(35 minutes later)
On Sky News Crispin Blunt, one of the Conservative MPs who has submitted a letter calling for a no confidence vote, has said that he does not accept Theresa May’s argument that replacing her as party leader would lead to Brexit being delayed. (See 9.07am.) He said that, with article 50 triggered and the EU Withdrawal Act passed into law, Brexit is going to happen on 29 March anyway. Michael Fabricant, a Tory Brexiter, has said he has not decided how he will vote tonight. He said:
I did not submit a letter to the 1922 and the timing of this vote is unfortunate as the prime minister has not completed her round of visits with EU leaders to resolve the Irish backstop question.
I had already explained to the prime minister at the beginning of last week in a one-to-one that the Irish backstop causes the biggest problem for me. I hope she has found a solution or an alternative way forward. If not, the government could fall anyway as Northern Irish DUP MPs have said they will no longer support the government in the House of Commons.
All these factors will be weighing in my mind when I cast my vote this evening.
And here are the four Tory MPs who have put message on Twitter saying they will vote against Theresa May.
Andrea Jenkyns
I take it that those cabinet ministers defending the PM this morning, will not put their name in to succeed her if there is a leadership election? I hope colleagues will vote the right way this evening. It is time that we had a new leader to save Brexit, and unite our country.
Bernard Jenkin
The UK changed Prime Minister in May 1940 - in the middle of a monstrously greater national crisis than this. If it has to be done, it has to be done. @conservatives
James Duddridge
I can not see how the PM can limp on with 48 of her own back benches having no confidence in her. She may go directly following the vote due to losing or in the days after because she has lost authority and a majority to govern.
Nadine Dorries
If MPs with small majorities vote to keep the Prime Minister tonight, they will be voting to secure her in place for the next 12 months, which means she will very likely lead us into the next General Election. Labour will be hoping and praying that we all wimp out.
And Anne-Marie Trevelyan is not saying:
My statement on this evening's vote:https://t.co/kWXg4g4y3s
According to the Press Association, all cabinet ministers have now publicly said that they will back Theresa May in the confidence vote.
Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will. It is a secret ballot and – perish the thought – Tory MPs have been known to lie about this.
Although when I say secret, I mean secret-ish. MPs vote in a committee room in the Commons. There are officers from the 1922 Committee there and there is nothing to stop MPs showing their ballot paper to colleagues to show that they have voted as they said they would. This does happen.
On Sky News Crispin Blunt, one of the Conservative MPs who has submitted a letter calling for a confidence vote, has said that he does not accept Theresa May’s argument that replacing her as party leader would lead to Brexit being delayed. (See 9.07am.) He said that, with article 50 triggered and the EU Withdrawal Act passed into law, Brexit is going to happen on 29 March anyway.
David Cameron is backing his successor.David Cameron is backing his successor.
I hope Conservative MPs will back the PM in the vote today. We need no distractions from seeking the best outcome with our neighbours, friends and partners in the EU.I hope Conservative MPs will back the PM in the vote today. We need no distractions from seeking the best outcome with our neighbours, friends and partners in the EU.
Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said today that businesses were watching events at Westminster with “utter dismay”. He said:Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said today that businesses were 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.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 among 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.The utter dismay among 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.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.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.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.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.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.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, 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'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.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 tweetProf 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 manProf 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)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:
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”.
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.
Here are some more Conservative MPs tweeting their support for May.
From 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.
From 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.
From 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!
From 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.
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 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.
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.
From 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.
From 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.
From 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 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.
From 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.
From 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.
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 has done so because she wants a better future for the country.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.