No confidence: This is how Tory MPs plan to vote in tonight’s crucial contest over Theresa May’s future as Prime Minister
The number of MPs who have declared themselves either in support of or against the leadership of Prime Minister Theresa May is growing. Here's who has said what so far.
A vote of no confidence was triggered this morning, after more than 48 MPs sent in letters to Sir Graham Brady who controls the process. The ballot will be held between 6pm and 8pm tonight to decide May's fate.
Based on what Tory MPs have said today, and those who have submitted letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister since the summer, there are now at least 136 MPs in support of Theresa May and 30 against. May requires at least 158 votes to win the contest.
Spread betting firm Sporting Index has said bookmakers are expecting May receive the backing of 211 Tory MPs this evening. Additionally, traders have predicted 104 MPs will vote against her leadership.
It should be noted that today's vote will be a secret ballot, meaning public declarations of support should be taken with a pinch of scepticism.
In support
Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said he would vote for the Prime Minister, labelling the vote as "the last thing the country needs":
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
Work and pensions minister and former home secretary Amber Rudd:
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.
— Amber Rudd (@AmberRuddUK) December 12, 2018
Leader of the House of Commons and cabinet member Andrea Leadsom, colloquially known as part of the so-called Pizza Club which was said to have worked on amendments to May's Brexit deal:
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.
— Andrea Leadsom MP (@andrealeadsom) December 12, 2018
Health secretary and former digital minister Matt Hancock:
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
— Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) December 12, 2018
Cabinet minister David Lidington:
@theresa_may has my full support. On the difficult & complex EU negotiations she has always put the national interest first.
— David Lidington (@DLidington) December 12, 2018
Business secretary Greg Clark:
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
— Greg Clark (@GregClarkMP) December 12, 2018
Brexiter MP and international trade secretary Liam Fox similarly supported the PM, adding the timing was "totally inappropriate":
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.
— Liam Fox MP (@LiamFox) December 12, 2018
Fellow Brexit-supporter and environment secretary Michael Gove – who allegedly joined Fox and Leadsom in the amendments effort:
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.
— Michael Gove (@michaelgove) December 12, 2018
The newest Brexit secretary Steve Barclay:
I fully support the PM. This is a crucial stage with weeks to go before we leave the EU. We need to back @theresa_may and deliver the referendum result. The PM is working in our national interest and this distraction risks damaging uncertainty.
— Steve Barclay (@SteveBarclay) December 12, 2018
Penny Mordaunt, international development secretary and fellow Pizza Club member:
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.
— Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) December 12, 2018
Chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond:
The Prime Minister has worked hard in the National interest since the day she took office and will have my full support in the vote tonight. Her deal means we leave the EU on time, whist protecting our jobs and our businesses.
— Philip Hammond (@PhilipHammondUK) December 12, 2018
Home secretary Sajid Javid added his support to May as the "best person" to ensure Brexit occurs on time:
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
Housing secretary James Brokenshire, who was the first cabinet minister to voice his support for May this morning:
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.
— James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) December 12, 2018
Chief secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss:
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.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) December 12, 2018
Defence secretary Gavin Williamson:
The Prime Minister has my full support. She works relentlessly hard for our country and is the best person to make sure we leave the EU on 29 March and continue to deliver our domestic agenda.
— Sir Gavin Williamson MP (@GavinWilliamson) December 12, 2018
Justice minister Rory Stewart called the vote an "uneccessary distraction", adding he will be backing May this evening, while justice secretary David Gauke also cast doubt on the vote.
A leadership contest wd be an indulgent and unnecessary distraction – I’ll be making this argument on 5 Live at 9:05 & making clear why I back the PM”
— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) December 12, 2018
Just about to appear on @BBCr4today. Theresa May will have my full support. Removing her would be self indulgent and irresponsible.
— David Gauke (@DavidGauke) December 12, 2018
Scottish secretary David Mundell:
PM has my full support. A leadership contest is the last thing we need. The public want us to sort #Brexit now!
— David Mundell MP (@DavidMundellDCT) December 12, 2018
Karen Bradley, who is the secretary for Northern Ireland, said on her Facebook page that she will be voting for May.
Attorney general Geoffrey Cox:
I shall be supporting the Prime Minister this evening. This is no time for the self indulgent spasm of a leadership election. Nothing fundamental will be altered by it. This is a time to show loyalty and discipline in supporting the PM in discharging the duties of government.
— Geoffrey Cox KC MP (@Geoffrey_Cox) December 12, 2018
Anna Soubry:
.@ OwenPaterson there’s no technology to avoid #hardborder & new leader wldnt change reality of need for a back stop. Removing @theresa_may #PM at this most critical of times is grossly irresponsible. You & ERG should be ashamed of yourselves. You’re an embarrassment @BBCr4today
— Anna Soubry 🖤🤍🇺🇦 🇪🇺 🇬🇧 (@Anna_Soubry) December 12, 2018
Former digital minister and Didcot MP Ed Vaizey:
Email just arrived from Graham Brady, vote tonight on PM’s leadership, between 6 and 8pm. I will be supporting the PM, we don’t need a self indulgent leadership election at this time
— Lord Ed Vaizey (@edvaizey) December 12, 2018
Transport minister of state Jesse Norman:
The PM has shown astonishing courage and resilience over many months in the most difficult possible circumstances. I will be supporting her without hesitation this evening. A leadership election would be utter folly.
— Jesse Norman (@Jesse_Norman) December 12, 2018
Transport secretary Chris Grayling, the final member of the so-called Pizza Club, has also backed May in a statement to Sky News.
Cabinet minister Chris Grayling supports PM, appeals to Brexiter backbenchers… pic.twitter.com/isY1U5UViB
— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) December 12, 2018
Conservative party chairman Brandon Lewis told the broadcaster he would "absolutely" be supporting May tonight.
I fully back our Prime Minister. We have the right Leader of our Party, we have a duty to deliver for our country & I hope all my colleagues will join me & support @theresa_may to deliver for UK.
— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) December 12, 2018
Universities minister Chris Skidmore:
107 days until we leave the EU. The PM has worked unbelievably hard to deliver a deal that reflects the nature of the referendum result, she deserves immense credit and our support. Will be backing her completely. Those contemplating otherwise, just think how bad this looks
— Chris Skidmore (@CSkidmoreUK) December 12, 2018
Nick Boles:
https://twitter.com/NickBoles/status/1072772483898662912
Paul Sutton:
I'll be supporting the PM today. The light at the tunnel that some people are seeing is a train coming fast the other way #focusonthecountry
— Paul Scully MP (@scullyp) December 12, 2018
Alec Shelbrooke:
Theresa May is working hard to deliver Brexit. This distraction is unhelpful and I will be supporting her in the vote tonight.
— Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP (@AlecShelbrooke) December 12, 2018
Patrick McLoughlin:
I have every confidence in our Prime Minister and I will be supporting her tonight.
— Patrick McLoughlin (@Patrick4Dales) December 12, 2018
Foreign affairs minister Alan Duncan:
For the sake of country, Government and Party I urge all my fellow Conservative MPs to vote for Theresa May this evening. Changing the PM at this critical moment in history would be a massive mistake. Stick with her and let’s see it through!
— Sir Alan Duncan (@SirAlanDuncan) December 12, 2018
Work and pensions minister Justin Tomlinson:
The PM has been relentless in seeking to deliver Brexit, with Parliamentary numbers stacked to try to frustrate, delay & block.
She has remained focused, determined & courteous throughout.
I will be 100% backing the PM 🗳— Justin Tomlinson MP (@JustinTomlinson) December 12, 2018
Heidi Allen:
Utterly dismayed at the sheer indulgence being shown by some of my parliamentary colleagues at this time of National crisis. Quite why they think a change in leader is the right course of action is beyond me.
— Heidi Allen (@heidiallen75) December 12, 2018
Mark Spencer:
I will be supporting the Prime Minister tonight in the 1922 ballot. To indulge in a leadership contest now is completely wrong
— Mark Spencer (@Mark_Spencer) December 12, 2018
Luke Hall:
I will be supporting the Prime Minister. She is focusing on delivering Brexit and has a plan to leave the EU on 29 March. This is an unnecessary distraction and I look forward to @theresa_may refreshing her mandate later today
— Luke Hall MP (@LukeHall) December 12, 2018
Policing minister Nick Hurd:
I agree with this 100% . @theresa_may has my full support. https://t.co/wLldL1t61U
— Nick Hurd (@NickHurdUK) December 12, 2018
Steve Brine:
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.
— Steve Brine MP (@BrineMP) December 12, 2018
Craig Whittaker:
On a day of complete madness by a minority of Conservative hardliners, I will be supporting our PM and will work tirelessly today to support her. @theresa_may
— The Rt. Hon. Craig Whittaker MP (@CWhittaker_MP) December 12, 2018
Alan Mak:
Prime Minister @Theresa_May has my support and I will be voting for her tonight at this crucial period for our country.
— Alan Mak MP 🇬🇧 🏴 (@AlanMakMP) December 12, 2018
Armed forces minister Mark Lancaster:
I will be backing @theresa_may tonight. The last thing the country needs ahead of our departure from the EU on the 29th March is a long leadership contest.
— Mark Lancaster (@MarkLancasterMK) December 12, 2018
Mary Robinson:
For the avoidance of doubt, I will be supporting the PM tonight. We are less than four months away from leaving the EU and our country requires certainty. This is the UK’s future, more important than one Party.
— Mary Robinson MP (@MaryRobinson01) December 12, 2018
Caroline Spelman:
https://twitter.com/spelmanc/status/1072775519664513024
Bim Afolami:
As will I. https://t.co/hycmLFwWX4
— Bim Afolami MP (@BimAfolami) December 12, 2018
Matt Warman:
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
— Matt Warman MP (@mattwarman) December 12, 2018
Welsh secretary of state Alun Cairns:
I am giving my full support to @theresa_may who has always put the national interest first. We need to honour the outcome of the referendum and support the PM to deliver Brexit on 29 March 2019.
— Alun Cairns MP (@AlunCairns) December 12, 2018
Brexit minister Robin Walker:
Totally agree https://t.co/mmYU0KjhAV
— Robin Walker (@WalkerWorcester) December 12, 2018
Education secretary Damian Hinds:
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.
— Damian Hinds (@DamianHinds) December 12, 2018
Sarah Wollaston:
https://twitter.com/sarahwollaston/status/1072769627380420608
Andrew Stephenson:
I will support the Prime Minister @theresa_may tonight. A leadership contest is a distraction and doesn’t change the maths in Parliament. We should be focused on delivering on the British people’s decision to leave the EU.
— Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson MP (@Andrew4Pendle) December 12, 2018
Foreign minister Harriett Baldwin:
What a ridiculous moment to choose to challenge @10DowningStreet – Theresa May has been working flat out to secure the best possible deal and will have my vote again this evening #TM4PM
— Harriett Baldwin MP (@hbaldwin) December 12, 2018
Stephen Hoare:
As will I https://t.co/GgBDKvCcFj
— Simon Hoare MP (@Simon4NDorset) December 12, 2018
Therese Coffey:
I will be supporting @theresa_may to continue as leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister in today's vote
— Thérèse Coffey (@theresecoffey) December 12, 2018
Julian Knight:
I will be supporting the Prime Minister, delivering on brexit is in our grasp this vote is a distraction #iambackingthepm
— Julian Knight MP (@julianknight15) December 12, 2018
Health minister Stephen Hammond:
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.
— Stephen Hammond MP (@S_Hammond) December 12, 2018
Business minister Richard Harrington:
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 🗳
— Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) December 12, 2018
Andrew Murrison:
I’ll be supporting @theresa_may tonight. No question.
— Rt Hon Andrew Murrison MP (@AWMurrison) December 12, 2018
Nadhim Zahawi:
I am backing @theresa_may tonight. We do not need further instability and division. Colleagues need to think of the National interest.
— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) December 12, 2018
Schools minister Nick Gibb:
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.
— Nick Gibb (@NickGibbUK) December 12, 2018
James Cleverly:
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.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) December 12, 2018
Bob Neill:
I completely agree. This is a distraction from the real job in hand. I shall be supporting the PM tonight. https://t.co/ItSsRV4UBJ
— Sir Bob Neill KC (Hon) MP (@neill_bob) December 12, 2018
Caroline Nokes:
The PM has my full support. Brexit was never going to be easy and we need to back her to deliver on that and our domestic programme. Being PM is a phenomenally difficult job and she is the best person for it.
— Caroline Nokes MP (@carolinenokes) December 12, 2018
Robert Buckland:
My words to those who seek to remove the Prime Minister, (with apologies to Aneurin Bevan): “You call it statesmanship, I call it emotional spasm.”
— Robert Buckland (@RobertBuckland) December 12, 2018
Rachel Maclean:
Changing leader now is the wrong thing to do. There is a real risk that we end up with no Brexit. Employers in Redditch want to plan for the future and we need to focus on these negotiations. https://t.co/Vy0ZOwVKne
— Rachel Maclean MP (@redditchrachel) December 12, 2018
Jake Berry:
People in the #NorthernPowerhouse back @theresa_may and so do I. 100% behind the PM.
— Jake Berry MP (@JakeBerry) December 12, 2018
James Heappey:
https://twitter.com/JSHeappey/status/1072783958549651456
Marcus Jones:
https://twitter.com/Marcus4Nuneaton/status/1072782166352904193
Guy Opperman:
https://twitter.com/GuyOpperman/status/1072782143573635072
Huw Merriman:
https://twitter.com/HuwMerriman/status/1072782024421842944
Helen Grant:
https://twitter.com/HelenGrantMP/status/1072781861989031936
Jeremy Lefroy:
https://twitter.com/JeremyLefroy/status/1072781529649201152
Robert Halfon:
https://twitter.com/halfon4harlowMP/status/1072781248265945090
Vicky Ford:
https://twitter.com/vickyford/status/1072769399025790976
Alok Sharma:
https://twitter.com/AlokSharma_RDG/status/1072773282112462851
Michael Ellis:
https://twitter.com/Michael_Ellis1/status/1072774235637075971
Mims Davies:
https://twitter.com/mimsdavies/status/1072764005519896578
Alistair Burt:
https://twitter.com/AlistairBurtUK/status/1072772639352123393
Digital minister Margot James:
https://twitter.com/margot_james_mp/status/1072772466198659073
Kit Malthouse:
https://twitter.com/kitmalthouse/status/1072765085268041729
Alex Chalk:
https://twitter.com/AlexChalkChelt/status/1072763865547591681
Maria Miller:
https://twitter.com/MariaMillerUK/status/1072763678695612417
Sarah Newton:
https://twitter.com/SNewtonUK/status/1072791271637426177
Stephen Crabb:
https://twitter.com/SCrabbPembs/status/1072791075461496837
Mel Stride:
https://twitter.com/MelJStride/status/1072786397579366400
Victoria Prentis:
https://twitter.com/VictoriaPrentis/status/1072789293163257856
Sam Gyimah:
https://twitter.com/SamGyimah/status/1072788768367763457
John Howell:
https://twitter.com/JHowellUK/status/1072788313726160896
Jonathan Djanogly:
https://twitter.com/JDjanogly/status/1072788299486502912
Kelly Tolhurst:
https://twitter.com/KellyTolhurst/status/1072787849886425088
Damian Green:
https://twitter.com/DamianGreen/status/1072787845042053121
Tobias Ellwood:
https://twitter.com/Tobias_Ellwood/status/1072786808575004674
Nigel Huddleston:
https://twitter.com/HuddlestonNigel/status/1072785196766949376
Adam Afriyie:
https://twitter.com/AdamAfriyie/status/1072784271427940352
Peter Heaton-Jones:
https://twitter.com/PeterNorthDevon/status/1072783742480080896
City minister John Glen:
https://twitter.com/JohnGlenUK/status/1072793760977833984
Julian Smith:
https://twitter.com/JulianSmithUK/status/1072793163767734272
Oliver Letwin:
https://twitter.com/oletwinofficial/status/1072792479240470528
Philip Lee:
https://twitter.com/DrPhillipLeeMP/status/1072794669371801600
Jo Churchill:
https://twitter.com/Jochurchill4/status/1072795580244639744
George Freeman:
https://twitter.com/GeorgeFreemanMP/status/1072795316448100352
David Warburton:
https://twitter.com/DJWarburton/status/1072795702751834112
Rebecca Pow:
https://twitter.com/pow_rebecca/status/1072796692834074624
Kevin Foster retweeted messages of support for Theresa May from his constituents.
Antoinette Sandbach:
https://twitter.com/Sandbach/status/1072797266916847616
Michelle Donelan:
https://twitter.com/michelledonelan/status/1072799667015036928
Nicholas Soames:
I shall support the Prime Minister in the Vote of Confidence tonight against this idiotic challenge at such a desperately serious time for the Country #manupgrowupgetrealdoourduty
— Nicholas Soames (@NSoames) December 12, 2018
Leo Docherty:
https://twitter.com/LeoDochertyUK/status/1072782712614748161
Mark Prisk:
https://twitter.com/PriskMark/status/1072802851674603521
Andrew Jones:
https://twitter.com/AJonesMP/status/1072802736696119296
Alberto Costa:
https://twitter.com/AlbertoCostaMP/status/1072802466327076865
Wendy Morton:
https://twitter.com/morton_wendy/status/1072802437860339712
Andrew Bowie:
https://twitter.com/AndrewBowieMP/status/1072790491408683008
Tom Tugendhat:
https://twitter.com/TomTugendhat/status/1072807096918396929
Paul Masterton:
https://twitter.com/PM4EastRen/status/1072800536481665025
Iain Stewart:
I will be backing @theresa_may 100%. Her resilience, sense of duty and attention to detail are exactly the qualities we need at this time.
— Iain Stewart MP (@iainastewart) December 12, 2018
Caroline Dinenage:
I’ll be backing @theresa_may in the vote this evening. The last thing our country needs is more uncertainty, more division and more time wasted on an unnecessary distraction that won’t get us any further forward.
— Caroline Dinenage (@cj_dinenage) December 12, 2018
Jackie Doyle-Price:
Well said George x this all looks self indulgent & irresponsible outside the Westminster bubble https://t.co/ojfuLFz6DM
— Jackie Doyle-Price MP (@JackieDP) December 12, 2018
Robert Jenrick:
I will be supporting @theresa_may this evening. My priority is to ensure we leave the EU on 29 March. A leadership contest now puts that at risk. And from constituents this morning, the public do not welcome this distraction.
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) December 12, 2018
Alex Burghart:
I shall be supporting the Prime Minister in the vote on her leadership tonight.
— Alex Burghart (@alexburghart) December 12, 2018
Stuart Andrew:
The PM will have my support this evening. We have to get on with the job and not this self indulgent navel gazing.
— Stuart Andrew (@StuartAndrew) December 12, 2018
Amanda Milling:
I fully back The Prime Minister @theresa_may and I will be supporting her in tonight’s vote
— Amanda Milling (@amandamilling) December 12, 2018
Kirstene Hair:
https://twitter.com/Kirstene4Angus/status/1072801986813329408
James Cartlidge:
I will be voting for the Prime Minister in the ballot this evening. I know that some colleagues & members of my local association have deep reservations about the backstop & withdrawal agreement, but further destabilisation at this moment is the last thing we need.
— James Cartlidge MP 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 (@jcartlidgemp) December 12, 2018
Chris Heaton-Harris:
Tonight I’ll be supporting the Prime Minister in the 1922 ballot.
— Chris Heaton-Harris MP (@chhcalling) December 12, 2018
Oliver Heald:
I am supporting the Prime Minister tonight.
— Oliver Heald MP (@OliverHealdUK) December 12, 2018
Gillian Keegan:
Yes I will be supporting the PM as we need to focus on getting the right outcome for the country at this critical time. This is a distraction in my view and does not solve the parliamentary arithmetic which means too many people can play politics with our country’s future. https://t.co/E4YtjhhwGm
— Gillian Keegan MP (@GillianKeegan) December 12, 2018
Heather Wheeler:
I will be supporting the Prime Minister in tonight’s confidence vote.
She has done her best in unprecedented circumstances, showing huge resilience and determination. Let’s have the vote, move on and deliver on the will of the majority. #Brexit
— Heather Wheeler MP (@HeatherWheeler) December 12, 2018
Richard Graham:
The leadership challenge combines crass timing & deep irresponsibility. I will support the PM
— Richard Graham (@RichardGrahamUK) December 12, 2018
Richard Benyon:
My analysis of today's vote and reasons why I am supporting the Prime Minister:https://t.co/eqLHdaadvS
— Richard Benyon (@RichardHRBenyon) December 12, 2018
Mark Pawsey:
What is best for businesses up and down Britain is finalising a deal between the UK and the EU and I will therefore be supporting the Prime Minister in the vote tonight. pic.twitter.com/Z9AMyUTRrh
— Mark Pawsey (@MarkPawsey) December 12, 2018
Chris Philp:
We are at a critical juncture. All our efforts should be directed at delivering BREXIT in a way that protects our national interests. I will therefore vote for the Prime Minister this evening
— Chris Philp MP (@CPhilpOfficial) December 12, 2018
Kemi Badenoch:
I am supporting the Prime Minister at this critical juncture in the future of our country….(1/7)
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) December 12, 2018
Ken Clarke:
Tory MP Ken Clarke says it would be "unhelpful, irrelevant and irresponsible" for the Conservative party to embark on weeks of a leadership contest.
Follow the latest on #PMQs here: https://t.co/7P21abjXLF pic.twitter.com/h0LMUO0LNT
— Sky News Politics (@SkyNewsPolitics) December 12, 2018
David Rutley:
I am backing the Prime Minister in this evening's vote. @theresa_may is working hard for the country at this vital time and should be given the support to get on with that important work.
— David Rutley MP (@DavidRutley) December 12, 2018
Ben Wallace:
I shall be supporting my PM today. She is in the middle of trying to get the best for the UK. At a time when security in the world is being tested I know more than most how well @theresa_may has dealt with real threats to our citizens.
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) December 12, 2018
Garry Streeter:
I will be backing Theresa May today. This is not the time for a challenge. Hopefully she will win and we can press on to deliver the Brexit, sensible Brexit, that my constituents voted for.
— Gary Streeter MP (@garystreeterSWD) December 12, 2018
Kwasi Kwarteng:
I am supporting the Prime Minister @theresa_may tonight. The Prime Minister continues to work in the national interest and we all need to support her at this critical time.
— Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwarteng) December 12, 2018
Chloe Smith:
I’m supporting the Prime Minister tonight. Determined, clear & capable at #PMQs and right to see through the #Brexit deal. My guiding principle has always been jobs & prospects for my #Norwich North constituents – this PM & this Govt & this deal deliver
— Chloe Smith (@NorwichChloe) December 12, 2018
Nusrat Ghani:
I will be supporting @theresa_may tonight. A leadership contest is a distraction and doesn’t change the maths in Parliament. We should be focused on delivering a good deal and leaving the EU in March.
— Nus Ghani MP (@Nus_Ghani) December 12, 2018
Lucy Frazer:
I support the Prime Minister. Now is not the time for a leadership contest. Now is the time to focus on our critical negotiation with the EU.
— Lucy Frazer (@lucyfrazermp) December 12, 2018
Against
Tory MP Owen Paterson stood by his decision to submit a letter of no confidence in May, telling the BBC: "She is determined to follow the wrong course." He added that he believes he is in line with the country's conservative mainstream in calling for the vote.
In his letter, he wrote that "no amount of tinkering will yield a majority in parliament for this deal".
My letter to Sir Graham Brady pic.twitter.com/aG7OcvA68O
— Owen Paterson (@OwenPaterson) December 12, 2018
A leading Brexiter MP Bernard Jenkin said the vote has to continue if Brexit is to be saved.
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
— Bernard Jenkin (@bernardjenkin) December 12, 2018
Similarly, MP Andrea Jenkyns who submitted her letter of no confidence in June said "it is time" for a new leader.
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.
— Andrea Jenkyns MP 🇬🇧 (@andreajenkyns) December 12, 2018
Tory backbencher Bill Cash said he believed the contest to be "necessary", telling the BBC that the withdrawal agreement is "extremely defective in a whole range of areas".
Theresa May is clinging to the wreckage. She has reached the point of no return pic.twitter.com/FVr91pPcCI
— Bill Cash (@BillCashMP) December 11, 2018
Leading Brexiter Jacob Rees-Mogg has called for May's resignation.
https://twitter.com/Jacob_Rees_Mogg/status/1072784374163218432
Nadine Dorries, who submitted her letter of no confidence some months ago, said any votes in support of the PM will ensure her place at a general election in 12 months time.
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.
— Rt Hon Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) December 12, 2018
MP Lee Rowley, who submitted his letter earlier this year, told the BBC this morning that he is "choosing to get out of the hole" by voting against the PM this evening.
It's incredibly sad that it's come to this but we need to look to the future and how we get back on track with Brexit and making our country better. I will be voting for change tonight. We must aim higher.
— Lee Rowley (@Lee4NED) December 12, 2018
Brexiter MP Andrew Bridgen told the BBC that it was "disappointing [the vote] has taken so long". He added: "She's effectively a Prime Minister who is drowning."
Other MPs known to have submitted letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister include:
- Chris Green
- Mark Francois
- Ben Bradley
- Steve Baker
- Peter Bone
- Philip Davies
- Martin Vickers
- James Durridge
- Adam Holloway.
- Anne Marie Morris
- John Whittingdale
- Laurence Robertson
- Sheryll Murray
- Henry Smith
- Simon Clarke
- Maria Caulfield
- Marcus Fysh
- Zac Goldsmith
- Philip Holobone
- Andrew Lewer
- Crispin Blunt
Undecided
Former Brexit secretary David Davis has said he will be voting "in the national interest", but will wait to see what May says at the 1922 committee tonight.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan has declined to comment on which way she will vote:
My statement on this evening's vote:https://t.co/kWXg4g4y3s
— Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP (@annietrev) December 12, 2018
Similarly, Brexiter Desmond Swayne has said he is making up his mind:
Stop asking!
We face a general election because we have no majority and DUP has withdrawn support for PM. So, the question I’m wrestling with is this: Am I confident to have TM lead me into another election?— rt hon Sir Desmond Swayne TD MP (@DesmondSwayne) December 12, 2018