Philip Hammond urges Tory rebels to 'stick with' May after Brexit infighting plunges her future into doubt

Philip Hammond has urged Tory MPs plotting to bring down Theresa May to “stick with” her, even as one leading Eurosceptic suggested he should be sacked for disloyalty.

The Chancellor and David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, rallied around the Prime Minister after a fresh outbreak of infighting over Europe plunged her leadership into further doubt.

However, Mr Davis was accused of leaving the country “none the wiser” about the Government’s Brexit strategy, after a much-hyped speech fell flat.

Speaking in Middlesbrough, he restated the plan for what has been dubbed a “standstill” transition period, during which Britain would “replicate” the EU customs union and accept free movement of people

But Hilary Benn, the chairman of the Commons Brexit Committee said Mr Davis had said nothing new about future trading rules with the EU.

Mr Benn said: “What we really needed to hear is what the Government’s proposals are for the most important trade negotiation of all with the European Union; ie covering trade in goods and services with the other 27 member states after we have left. On that, we are none the wiser.”

A row broke out in the Conservative Party when Mr Hammond called for only “very modest” changes after Brexit – while key Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg condemned a “timid and cowering” approach to the talks.

Some Tories have said a vote of no confidence in Ms May is getting nearer. It will be triggered if 48 MPs demand a ballot.

Asked about talk of a leadership contest, Mr Hammond told ITV News: “I would say to my colleagues, stick with the Prime Minister.

“She’s navigating a very tricky, difficult negotiation process. We have to get the implementation period agreed, then we have to negotiate the best possible deal for Britain for the future relationship with the European Union.

“I have confidence in the Prime Minister to deliver that and I would urge them to get behind her.”

The intervention came as Brexit backer Bernard Jenkin said it was not sustainable for Ms May and her Chancellor to have “big ideological divisions” saying: “The Prime Minister will need to address that one way or the other.”

He told the BBC’s Daily Politics: “The parliamentary party as a whole would like to see her impose her authority – let the leopard come bounding out of the cage.”

In a further sign of discontent, a usually loyal MP went public to speak out about “growing frustration” among his colleagues at Westminster.

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, who has previously called for ministers showing disloyalty to the Prime Minister to be sacked, warned that Ms May was coming under fire for taking her allies for granted.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “No major revolt on the Tory back benches. However, there is a growing frustration that No 10 is not plugged into the views and opinions of many backbench MPs or even interested.

“The PM is also being criticised for taking her very small group of allies for granted. A big mistake!”

Meanwhile, Mr Davis insisted the Cabinet was united and on course, saying: “There is no difference between myself, the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.”