Senior Tory reveals plot to oust Boris Johnson on first day as PM in extraordinary revelation

One of Liam Fox’s trade envoys has quit in protest that the government’s no-deal Brexit policy threatens the demise of an existing trade deal with Canada worth £800m.

Andrew Percy attacked the “cack-handed” move to scrap or slash tariffs on almost all imports if the UK crashes out of the EU – blaming it for Ottawa’s refusal to “roll over” its existing deal with the EU.

The Conservative MP felt “patronised” by the international trade secretary when he warned him the announcement would backfire, The Independent understands, walking away after almost two years in the Canada role.

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In another headache for Boris Johnson before he even enters No 10, a new poll shows he could struggle to build a majority because of his "Scotland problem".

The POLITICO/Hanbury survey of clusters of marginal seats across England and Scotland, found Johnson was the preferred choice over Jeremy Hunt in the North West, East Midlands and London.

But in Scotland he trails by a huge margin - on 19 per cent compared to Hunt's 32 per cent. This is significant because Theresa May was able to build a fragile working majority due to the 13 Scottish Tory MPs elected in 2017. If those seats are lost, Mr Johnson may struggle to get over the line.

The government is publishing a whopping 30 written statements today - as it frantically tries to tie up loose ends before the new PM comes in. 

Brussels is drawing up a multi-billion pound aid package for Ireland to shield it from the effects of a no-deal Brexit, it has been reported.

A senior EU diplomat told The Times newspaper that the bloc would "spend whatever was necessary" to support Ireland.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay earlier this month warned Ireland that a no-deal Brexit would damage its economy more than it damaged the UK.

NEW: Tory MP Charlie Elphicke has been charged with three counts of sexual assault against two women. The Dover and Deal MP was suspended and then had the Tory whip reinstated last year.

This will undoubtedly raise big questions over how the Conservatives handle complaints.

Theresa May is chairing a meeting of the government’s Cobra contingencies committee in Whitehall to discuss the Iran situation, our political editor Andrew Woodcock reports.

The PM’s official spokesman told a Westminster media briefing: “We are clear that the seizure of the British-flagged, Swedish-owned Stena Impero on Friday was illegal under international law.

“The PM is chairing a meeting of Cobra this morning to discuss the UK response to the current tension and options for strengthening current reassurance to commercial shipping.”

The spokesman confirmed that the security level for UK shipping in the Gulf was raised to its highest level earlier this month, advising vessels to stay out of the area.

“This ship was seized under false and illegal pretences and the Iranians should release it and its crew immediately,” said the spokesman.

“The foreign secretary spoke to Iranian foreign minister (Mohammad Javad) Zarif to make this demand.

“We do not seek confrontation with Iran, but it is unacceptable and highly escalatory to seize a ship going about legitimate business through internationally recognised shipping lanes.”

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt will update MPs later with a statement to the Commons.

The PM’s spokesman rejected Tory MP Huw Merriman’s claim that the government had “dropped the ball” over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“We are committed to ensuring freedom of navigation is maintained in the Gulf. That’s why the UK has had a permanent presence in the Gulf since the early 1980s,” said the spokesman. “Earlier this month, HMS Montrose successfully prevented three Iranian vessels from impeding the passage of a British-flagged commercial vessel.

“However, the high volume of ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz – up to 30 ships covering more than 100 nautical miles – makes it impossible to escort vessels individually.

“We already work closely with international partners to ensure a co-ordinated effort to defend freedom of navigation. This includes sharing information on threats to shipping and offering mutual protection for each others’ vessels.”

Responding to reports that the US had offered military assets to help protect UK ships in the Gulf, the spokesman said: “There has never been a US offer that has involved them escorting all UK ships.

“The US has been discussing with a number of countries, including the UK, how we might deliver maritime security in the face of recent threats to shipping.”

Responding to claims that the Royal Navy had been cut too far as a result of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the PM’s spokesman said: “We always said that we will ensure we have all the capability that we need in order to protect the UK and serve its interests.

“We have the largest military budget in Europe. We are investing in a world-class Royal Navy.”

Gordon Brown has accused Boris Johnson of preparing to push the British economy "off a cliff" with his determination to deliver Brexit by the end of October, "do or die".

Ahead of Mr Johnson's expected election on Tuesday as Tory leader, the former Labour PM said a no-deal break with the EU would be a "self-inflicted wound" comparable in military terms to the Charge of the Light Brigade.

In a speech to the Hope Not Hate campaign in London, Mr Brown warned the Brexiteers were in danger of descending into a brand of "paranoid nationalism" which risked breaking up the United Kingdom.

He said that Mr Johnson may be fated to be remembered by history "not as the 55th prime minister of the UK but as the first prime minister of England".

Despite being chosen by an electorate smaller than that which voted for Ed Balls on Strictly Come Dancing, Mr Brown said the Tory leadership favourite was heading for a "chaotic, damaging and dangerous" no-deal break.

"The message to Boris Johnson is plain and urgent: Don't push Britain off a cliff on October 31," he said.

Charlie Elphicke held Dover for the Tories by a majority of 6,437 votes in 2017, with Labour coming second, Ukip in third, Lib Dems fourth and Greens fifth.

If Mr Elphicke decides to stand down or loses a recall petition, you could have a very interesting by-election here.

It is also important to note that Theresa May's working majority is currently only 4. It could drop to 3 when the party loses the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election - as expected  - next week.

If Mr Elphicke quits or is sacked, that would reduce the majority to only 1.

Image credit - BBC News