Theresa May to face no-confidence vote tonight, Conservatives announce
The IndependentSign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 backbench committee, released a statement saying the threshold of 48 signatures – 15 per cent of the total number of Tory MPs – “has been exceeded”. If Ms May is forced out, it could see Brexit delayed if the EU accepts the Article 50 exit period must be extended beyond next March because of the political turmoil. In a joint statement, the leadership of the hard Brexit-supporting European Research Group of Tory MPs said Ms May “must go”. “PM has my full support and is best person to ensure we leave EU on 29 March.” Confirming the contest this evening, Sir Graham said: “The votes will be counted immediately afterwards and an announcement will be made as soon as possible in the evening.” Speaking outside parliament, Sir Graham said he would ensure “a proper, well run, fair process conducted as speedily as we can, with a clear result produced this evening”.