Advertisement

Theresa May claimed victory after forcing her 'third way' plan for trade with the EU through Cabinet last night despite a major Brexiteer revolt.

The PM insisted she had united the warring factions in her team after a high stakes showdown at her Chequers country residence.

Mrs May has threatened to sack Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, as The Times reports she has told senior allies he'll be out of a job if he tries to undermine the agreement reached at the summit.

It followed fears Mr Johnson would lead half-a-dozen Eurosceptics to quit. Mrs May said ministers had signed off a package that will see the UK sign up to EU rules on goods - potentially wrecking prospects for a trade deal with the US.

Mrs May has promised to sack Boris Johnson (pictured leaving Chequers last night) if the foreign secretary tries to undermine the agreement reached at the country retreat

Theresa May tried to stamp her authority on the Cabinet during a marathon session at her Chequers residence last night

Numbered in blue - the people tasked with guiding Britain's exit from the European Union:                                                                               1. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt 2. Brexit Secretary David Davis 3. Mrs May's communications director, Robbie Gibb 4. Environment Secretary Michael Gove 5. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox 6. International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt 7. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson 8. Europe Unit Policy Director Catherine Webb 9. Ed de Minckwitz of the Europe Unit. 10. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson 11. Home Secretary Sajid Javid 12. Europe Unit Director Jonathan Black 13. HMRC Permanent Secretary Jim Harra 14. Education Secretary Damian Hinds 15. Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley 16. Chancellor Philip Hammond 17. Business and Energy Secretray Claire Perry 18. Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes 19. Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey 20. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Numbered in red - the artwork that graces the walls of Chequers:                                                                                                                                          1. Portrait Of A Lady by George Geldorp (1595-1665) 2. Sir William Russell by Mary Beale (1633 - 1699) 3. Lady Croke, née Brigette Hawtrey, last of the Hawtrey family, attributed to Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger in the 1500s 4. The Children of Charles I by Henry Stone (died in 1653) 5. Sir Henry Croke (1588 - 1659), Clerk of the Pipe, thought to be by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger 6. Bridget Cromwell (1624 - 1660) by Cornelius Johnson (1593 - 1661) 7. Master Franklin by 'British School of Artists' 8. The grand piano that used to entertain Winston Churchill 9. Henrietta Maria (1609-1669) with Prince Charles (1630-1685) by Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)



Cabinet fought it out over Brexit policy in this room at the 16th Century Chequers estate as Theresa May called a summit on future strategies last night 

She said the model thrashed out during the marathon away-day was an 'important step' and would allow Britain to 'avoid friction' that could harm business while preventing a hard Irish border. 

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier welcomed the Cabinet consensus and promised to examine the ideas - but has already warned that 'cherry-picking' the benefits of the single market will not be accepted.

In a sign that the government is gearing up for Brussels to reject the blueprint, the Cabinet also agreed to step up planning for 'no deal'.

'Today in detailed discussions the Cabinet has agreed our collective position for the future of our negotiations with the EU,' Mrs May said. 

'Now we must all move at pace to negotiate our proposal with the EU to deliver the prosperous and secure future all our people deserve.'

Members of the cabinet gather at Chequers, the Prime Minister's official country residence for today's crunch Brexit talks, which ran into the night 

Any ministers choosing to quit could have faced a walk from Chequers as the drive is almost a mile long

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier welcomed the Cabinet consensus and promised to examine the ideas - but has already warned that 'cherry-picking' the benefits of the single market will not be accepted

more videos
1
2
3

Watch video Heartbroken family of Sala pilot appeal for body to be found


Watch video Libby Squire's parents, Lisa and Russ, leave vigil at Hull church


Watch video 'Something has to give' EU's Barnier tells Brexit Britain


Watch video Michelle Carter ordered to start serving her prison sentence




Watch video Shocking moment car drives into another vehicle making it tip


Watch video Daughter surprises mum after being away travelling for a year


Watch video Police and forensic team called to Dulwich after stabbing


Watch video Woman fined for driving through a bus gate won her appeal




Watch video Horrifying moment mouse is tied to a bottle and repeatedly hit


Watch video Air Ambulance and Police presence in Stoneleigh after stabbing


Watch video Pilot fails to land small aircraft and ploughs into pile of snow


Watch video CCTV footage shows David Gaut hours before his death



The statement came after a bitter war of words over Mrs May's plan that had threatened to spiral out of control. It drew immediate dismay from backbench Tories who said Britain would be a 'rule taker'.

But the premier tried to capitalise on the apparent triumph tonight by stamping her authority on Cabinet.

In a letter to Tory MPs she said collective responsibility on Brexit was suspended by David Cameron during the referendum and since then she had allowed Cabinet members to 'express their individual views' in public without being sacked.

But in a clear message to Mr Johnson, she added: 'Agreement on this proposal marks the point where that is no longer the case and collective responsibility is now fully restored.'

RELATED ARTICLES
Previous

1
Next

Germany's interior minister warns that lives will be put at... Trump will address Russia's 'malign' activity directly with...
Share this article
Share Allies of the PM had issued an extraordinary threat to Cabinet Brexiteers that there were plenty of 'talented' Tories ready to take their jobs if they resigned.

They also warned that ministers who quit would immediately be stripped of their official car - forcing them to call a taxi or walk miles to the nearest train station.

But defiant Tory MPs responded to the unprecedented sabre-rattling by offering to drive up to the remote country pile and collect rebels.

Mr Johnson and other senior ministers including David Davis and Michael Gove had raised fears that the blueprint breached red lines by committing Britain to aligning with EU regulations, obeying European judges. 

How would the PM's 'third way' plan for post-Brexit trade work?
Customs

Britain would leave the EU's 'common external tariff', allowing parliament to set its own tariff rates. This was a key demand from Brexiteer ministers. Sources said British tariffs would apply to 96 per cent of imports. For a small proportion of 'unfinished goods' destined for the EU, the UK would apply EU tariffs and collect them on Brussels' behalf. EU tariffs would also apply to goods that simply transit through British ports.

Regulation

UK would agree to maintain 'full regulatory alignment' with Brussels on goods. This was demanded by Business Secretary Greg Clark and Chancellor Philip Hammond as vital for 'frictionless trade'. But many Eurosceptics believe it would wreck hopes of new trade deals. Parliament would retain a fig leaf of control with the ultimate ability to tear up the deal but this would come at the price of losing trade access.

Immigration

The PM told MPs that ending free movement remains a red line in negotiations. But some ministers are pushing her to trade access to the British jobs market for access to Europe's single market.

Trade

Mrs May said that the deal would allow the UK to set an 'independent trade policy', allowing Britain to slash tariffs on imports as part of new deals. But it is far from clear that Brussels would agree to a deal that would allow the UK to be a low-tariff island with full access to EU markets. Pro-Brexit MPs say that without the freedom to change rules, the prospects for new trade deals may be slim.

The talks at the premier's Chequers country residence were held in great secrecy, with ministers' phones and even smart watches confiscated.

Special advisers were barred from attending in a bid to ensure there were no leaks. However, civil servants were on hand to redraft the document.

Ministers had still not been allowed access to their phones again more than half an hour after No10's statement was made public. 

Mrs May was always assured of having the majority of the 29-strong Cabinet behind her if she pushed the 120-page plan to a vote, but a bloc of ministers resigning could have fatally damaged her government.

It is understood that in the end all members of the Cabinet signed up to the proposals - with some of them convinced the EU will torpedo them anyway. 

The 'common rulebook' for goods could reduce the UK's flexibility to strike trade deals with other countries, particularly the US which would want an agreement allowing its farm products, produced to different standards, into the British market. 

It would also involve the UK paying 'due regard' to European Court of Justice rulings relating to the rules Britain will share with Brussels, potentially softening the Prime Minister's red line on the jurisdiction of judges in Luxembourg.

No10 insisted that freedom of movement would end - but the package sealed tonight also said the UK would seek a 'labour mobility' agreement - leaving the door open to concessions to Brussels on the issue.

Business groups and Remainers welcomed the package, but Eurosceptics were up in arms. 

Brexiteer Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns said: 'Common rule book: so British businesses will continue to be a rule taker from the EU. 

'I hope the details are better than the breaking headlines. Pray God.' 

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: 'Brexit did not mean keeping the 90% of our economy that does not export to the EU trapped by their laws. 

'This is a sell-out to the global corporates, as it was during Maastricht. 'The Tory Eurosceptics are a waste of space. 

'No resignations means that the so-called Brexiteers in Cabinet don't have a principle between them, career politicians all.' 

As Brexiteers mobilised against the proposals last night, seven Cabinet ministers gathered in Mr Johnson's office to discuss tactics for watering down, or even killing off the PM's plans. 

Secretary David Davis, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt for the talks, which lasted for over an hour.

Boris Johnson (left) held crisis talks with six Eurosceptic ministers ahead of the crunch summit at Chequers

more videos
1
2
3

Watch video Heartbroken family of Sala pilot appeal for body to be found


Watch video Libby Squire's parents, Lisa and Russ, leave vigil at Hull church


Watch video 'Something has to give' EU's Barnier tells Brexit Britain


Watch video Michelle Carter ordered to start serving her prison sentence




Watch video Shocking moment car drives into another vehicle making it tip


Watch video Daughter surprises mum after being away travelling for a year


Watch video Police and forensic team called to Dulwich after stabbing


Watch video Woman fined for driving through a bus gate won her appeal




Watch video Horrifying moment mouse is tied to a bottle and repeatedly hit


Watch video Air Ambulance and Police presence in Stoneleigh after stabbing


Watch video Pilot fails to land small aircraft and ploughs into pile of snow


Watch video CCTV footage shows David Gaut hours before his death



Michael Gove (left) and David Gauke were among the key players spotted arriving for the Chequers summit today

Security is high at the Buckinghamshire estate today - and there are also tight restrictions on ministers' contact with the outside world

Tory MP Peter Bone reacted to No10 threats to strip resigning ministers of their official cars by offering to come and pick them up

more videos
1
2
3

Watch video Heartbroken family of Sala pilot appeal for body to be found


Watch video Libby Squire's parents, Lisa and Russ, leave vigil at Hull church


Watch video 'Something has to give' EU's Barnier tells Brexit Britain


Watch video Michelle Carter ordered to start serving her prison sentence




Watch video Shocking moment car drives into another vehicle making it tip


Watch video Daughter surprises mum after being away travelling for a year


Watch video Police and forensic team called to Dulwich after stabbing


Watch video Woman fined for driving through a bus gate won her appeal




Watch video Horrifying moment mouse is tied to a bottle and repeatedly hit


Watch video Air Ambulance and Police presence in Stoneleigh after stabbing


Watch video Pilot fails to land small aircraft and ploughs into pile of snow


Watch video CCTV footage shows David Gaut hours before his death



Downing Street angrily denied that Mrs May's third way would prevent a trade deal with the US - and she appeared to peel Dr Fox off from the group after one-on-one talks last night.

David Cameron also intervened to shore up Mrs May by urging Mr Johnson not to resign at a private meeting.

This morning Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington voiced confidence about getting agreement at Chequers, saying there had been some 'pretty selective leaks' from Brexiteers.

'What the PM is wanting to do today is to have a package of proposals that delivers on the referendum verdict, that takes back control of our laws and ends the jurisdiction of the European court in the UK, and places power clearly with Parliament,' he told the BBC.  

Politics professor Andy Westwood helpfully produced a map for any ministers considering a walkout from the Chequers summit

Home Secretary Sajid Javid (left) and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling had sided with Brexiteers in previous Cabinet debates

Development secretary Penny Mordaunt (left) and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey (right) also joined Mr Johnson at last night's meeting

Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom (left) and trade secretary Liam Fox (right) were present 

Environment Secretary Michael Gove (pictured left before leaving for Chequers today) and Brexit secretary David Davis (right) were among the Eurosceptic ministers meeting Boris Johnson at the Foreign Office last night

more videos
1
2
3

Watch video Heartbroken family of Sala pilot appeal for body to be found


Watch video Libby Squire's parents, Lisa and Russ, leave vigil at Hull church


Watch video 'Something has to give' EU's Barnier tells Brexit Britain


Watch video Michelle Carter ordered to start serving her prison sentence




Watch video Shocking moment car drives into another vehicle making it tip


Watch video Daughter surprises mum after being away travelling for a year


Watch video Police and forensic team called to Dulwich after stabbing


Watch video Woman fined for driving through a bus gate won her appeal




Watch video Horrifying moment mouse is tied to a bottle and repeatedly hit


Watch video Air Ambulance and Police presence in Stoneleigh after stabbing


Watch video Pilot fails to land small aircraft and ploughs into pile of snow


Watch video CCTV footage shows David Gaut hours before his death



The Foreign Secretary was joined by Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Brexit

'But we need to do that in a way that minimises the disruption to British jobs and British trade, investment in this country.' 

Mr Lidington hit out at claims that Mrs May's plan would bar a trade deal being done with the US after Brexit.

'It is categorically not the case to suggest we would be unable to strike a trade deal with the US or any other country under the PM's package of proposals today. 

'She has always been very clear our objective is to get a comprehensive and ambitious trade deal with the US and other countries.' 

He said the Prime Minister was proposing a 'common rulebook' with the EU on industrial goods and agricultural products 'for good practical reasons', such as preventing time-sensitive items like food from being held up at borders. 

He said: 'It will not be the European legislators or the European court that would be deciding the common rulebook. 'Any change to the rules is something that would have to go through Parliament and be accepted by Parliament.' 

As tensions escalated, allies of Mrs May said resigning ministers will be immediately stripped of their official cars - humiliatingly forcing them to catch a taxi or walk miles to the nearest rail station.

'Taxi cards for Astons the taxi firm are in the foyer for those who decide they can't face making the right decision for the country but it will still be a long walk as it is a mile long driveway,' one told the Times.   

But Tory MP Peter Bone reacted by offering to come and pick up Brexiteer ministers from the grand Buckinghamshire house.

'I will be on my way with my car, 4 seats available, guess another couple of cars will be required!' he tweeted.

The third way is so called because it is a compromise between a 'maximum facilitation' deal backed by Brexiteers, which would reduce customs controls and barriers, and a new customs partnership, which is supported by Remainers. 

In a statement overnight, the PM said she wanted a deal that 'allows us to deliver the benefits of Brexit - taking control of our borders, laws and money and signing ambitious new trade deals with countries like the US, Australia and New Zealand'.

Ministers were warned at the meeting that Britain could be forced into staying in the customs union unless they agree a Brexit compromise.

Anti-Brexit protesters had also made their way to Chequers for the Cabinet summit today

Mrs May has been engaged in a charm offensive with EU leaders in advance of the showdown, briefing Angela Merkel on the plans in Berlin yesterday (pictured) before they were even seen by the Cabinet 

David Cameron intervened to shore up Mrs May by urging Mr Johnson not to resign at a private heart-to-heart last night. The two men are pictured together in 2015

more videos
1
2
3

Watch video Heartbroken family of Sala pilot appeal for body to be found


Watch video Libby Squire's parents, Lisa and Russ, leave vigil at Hull church


Watch video 'Something has to give' EU's Barnier tells Brexit Britain


Watch video Michelle Carter ordered to start serving her prison sentence




Watch video Shocking moment car drives into another vehicle making it tip


Watch video Daughter surprises mum after being away travelling for a year


Watch video Police and forensic team called to Dulwich after stabbing


Watch video Woman fined for driving through a bus gate won her appeal




Watch video Horrifying moment mouse is tied to a bottle and repeatedly hit


Watch video Air Ambulance and Police presence in Stoneleigh after stabbing


Watch video Pilot fails to land small aircraft and ploughs into pile of snow


Watch video CCTV footage shows David Gaut hours before his death



Failure to reach an agreement could have thrown Mrs May into even deeper disarray, ahead of key Commons votes being held on July 16 and 17. 

Chequers country pile has been the retreat of PMs for a century
Chequers in Buckinghamshire has been kept for the use of Prime Ministers for a century.

It was bequeathed to the nation in 1917 by Lord and Lady Lee of Fareham.

The couple wanted the 16th century, 1000-acre estate to be a 'place of rest and recreation for Prime Ministers' to help them cope with the pressures of government.

However, it still costs the taxpayer more than £800,000 a year for maintenance and staffing. 

It has been the setting for numerous historic moments. Winston Churchill was informed of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor while dinning at the mansion with American ambassador John Winant.

Mrs May seemingly makes less use of the opulent property, which boasts a tennis court and swimming pool, than her predecessor David Cameron - who delighted in 'chillaxing' there at weekends.

She prefers staying in her Maidenhead constituency, regularly attending church there on Sundays.

Unlike Mr Cameron, she has yet to wine and dine any celebrities at the residence at public expense.

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer and her film director husband Matthew Vaughn were among those to have been invited by the former PM. 

Mr Cameron also enjoyed honing his tennis skills on the Chequers courts against a machine nicknamed 'The Clegger' - after his former Lib Dem deputy Nick Clegg. 

Mrs May is not thought to play tennis. 

Selected leaks from the policy document said the UK 'should maintain a common rulebook for all goods, including agri-food'. 

It said the UK would keep pace with new EU regulations in these areas after leaving.

The plan would help resolve the Northern Ireland border problem but Eurosceptic MPs said it would wreck hopes of a clean break with the EU.

Leaks also suggested a role for the European Court of Justice (ECJ), albeit at arms length. 

The document stated: 'UK courts must follow ECJ jurisprudence where relevant.' 

Former Brexit minister David Jones described the proposals as 'entirely unacceptable'.

He said: 'I hope and expect the Cabinet to reject them. Quite simply, this is not what people voted for in 2016. This is not Brexit.' 

Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns, who quit the Government last month to speak out on Brexit, said: 'We Brexiteers cannot support any deal that restricts our trade with other countries.

'I need to see the details but from what we are hearing I'd be prepared to vote against this.' Downing Street said it was 'categorically untrue' that the proposals would prevent a US trade deal.

Sources pointed out that the UK would be free to cut tariffs, set quotas and offer deals on the powerful services sector. 

However, Mr Barnier had dismissed Mrs May'sBrexit plan before it had even been agreed by Cabinet today - vowing not to 'damage' the single market.

The EU's chief negotiator harga melamin golden dragon set his face against compromise after the PM suggested the UK could stick to the bloc's rules on goods.

He insisted the single market had taken 45 years to assemble and could not be 'unravelled' or reduced to a 'supermarket'.

In remarks bound to infuriate UK politicians, he also accused them of 'dramatising' the EU's proposals to keep Northern Ireland subject to its rules in order to avoid a hard border with the Republic. 

Eurocrat sources have described the plans as 'dead on arrival' because they require 'cherry picking' the best parts of the single markets without accepting elements such as free movement.

Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said: 'It is farcical that it has taken two years for the Cabinet to even attempt to agree a position on the basics of our future relationship with the EU. 

'On previous form, whatever has apparently been agreed will struggle to survive contact with Tory MPs and members. 'This looks like a sticking plaster rather than the Government's final position. With just a matter of months of the negotiations left, Theresa May's ability to deliver Brexit continues to be in doubt.' 

more videos
1
2
3

Watch video Heartbroken family of Sala pilot appeal for body to be found


Watch video Libby Squire's parents, Lisa and Russ, leave vigil at Hull church


Watch video 'Something has to give' EU's Barnier tells Brexit Britain


Watch video Michelle Carter ordered to start serving her prison sentence




Watch video Shocking moment car drives into another vehicle making it tip


Watch video Daughter surprises mum after being away travelling for a year


Watch video Police and forensic team called to Dulwich after stabbing


Watch video Woman fined for driving through a bus gate won her appeal




Watch video Horrifying moment mouse is tied to a bottle and repeatedly hit


Watch video Air Ambulance and Police presence in Stoneleigh after stabbing


Watch video Pilot fails to land small aircraft and ploughs into pile of snow


Watch video CCTV footage shows David Gaut hours before his death



Who are the key Cabinet players at the Chequers away-day and where do they stand on Brexit?
The Cabinet is gathering at Chequers for an away-day to thrash out the government's Brexit proposals. Pictured is a previous meeting at the PM's country retreat in 2016

Prime Minister Theresa May

Backed Remain, has since insisted she will push through Brexit, leaving the single market and customs union. 

Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington 

A strong Remainer during the referendum campaign, recently made clear he has not changed his mind about it being better if the country had chosen to stay in the bloc.

Chancellor Philip Hammond

Seen as one of the main advocates of 'soft' Brexit in the Cabinet. Has been accused of trying to keep the UK tied to key parts of the customs union for years after the transition ends. 

Home Secretary Sajid Javid 

Brought in to replace Amber Rudd after she resigned amid the Windrush scandal, Mr Javid was seen as a reluctant Remainer in the referendum.

Many thought the former high-flying banker would plump for the Leave campaign, but he eventually claimed to have been won over by the economic case. He is likely to focus be guided by evidence about trade calculations in discussions over how closely aligned the UK should be with the EU.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson 

The Brexit champion in the Cabinet, has been agitating for a more robust approach and previously played down the problems of leaving with no deal. 

He is unhappy with plans for a tight customs arrangement with Brussels - warning that it could effectively mean being lashed to the EU indefinitely. Said to have bluntly dismissed concerns from pro-EU companies by saying 'f*** business'.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove

Has buried the hatchet with Mr Johnson after brutally ending his Tory leadership campaign in the wake of David Cameron's resignation.

Thought to be less concerned with short term concessions that Mr Johnson, but focused on ensuring the UK is free from Brussels rules in the longer term.

Brexit Secretary David Davis 

A long-time Eurosceptic and veteran of the 1990s Maastricht battles, brought back by Mrs May in 2016 to oversee the day-to-day negotiations.

He has said the government will be seeking a 'Canada plus plus plus' deal from the EU. 

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox

Another Brexiteer, his red lines are about the UK's ability to strike trade deals with the rest of the world, and escaping Brussels red tape. 

Business Secretary Greg Clark  

On the soft Brexit side of the Cabinet, Mr Clark has supported Mr Hammond's efforts to maintain close links with the customs union. Came out strongly to defend business from Eurosceptic criticism, and has suggested the UK needs to stay closely tied to the single market.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson 

Formerly a close ally of the Prime Minister and once viewed by some as her anointed successor. 

They appear to have fallen out over defence funding, and he has sided with Brexiteers on customs arrangements and the need for Britain to be able to diverge from EU rules.

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley 

Supported Remain and has joined the push for soft Brexit. Key backer of the customs partnership plan who has insisted avoiding a hard Irish is the top priority.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt 

A Remainer in the referendum campaign, Mr Hunt has since embraced the Brexiteer arguments - with speculation that he is positioning for a tilt at the top job should Mrs May be abruptly ousted. He has been heavily 

Justice Secretary David Gauke

A former Chief Secretary to the Treasury when George Osborne was Chancellor, Mr Gauke has a keen understanding of the finances and how they might be affected by Brexit. He will take a pragmatic approach but is thought more likely to side with the Remainer faction.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds

A largely unknown quantity on Brexit, having backed Remain in 2016 but kept a low profile since.

Many believe he will take his lead from Mrs May, who fast-tracked his career into Cabinet in January this year.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire

Another long-term May ally and previously seen as on the Cameroon wing of the party. He was brought back into the Cabinet immediately after returning from sick leave, and is expected to support the PM's decisions on Brexit.

Work and Pensions Esther McVey 

Staunch Brexiteer in the referendum battle - even though she was out of parliament at the time. She took George Osborne's old Commons seat of Tatton when he stood down to edit the Evening Standard, but shows no sign of sharing his Remainer views.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling

The campaign manager for Mrs May's Tory leadership, he is one of the hardest line Brexiteers in Cabinet but prefers to keep arguments behind closed doors.

He is loyal to the PM but will not compromise his commitment to making a clean break from the EU. 

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt

Earned her Brexiteer spurs during the referendum by publicly taking on David Cameron over whether Turkey was going to join the EU.

She is independent minded and highly ambitious, and likely to side with the harder Eurosceptic line in the Cabinet debate.

Culture Secretary Matt Hancock

Mr Hancock was for years seen as an Osborne acolyte, having served as his chief of staff before becoming an MP.

However, he is now starting to move out of his former mentor's shadow. Thought to be Remain minded, but could swing if it looks like opinion is ranged against the PM.

Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis

A triathlon fan, Mr Lewis knows all about battling over the finish line. As a former immigration minister he is also well aware of the emphasis voters put on tightening up UK borders.

Expected to back a pragmatic solution, while sticking to the line that the UK must have the freedom to strike its own trade deals and control regulations.   

Scottish Secretary David Mundell 

Mr Mundell has been under intense pressure from the SNP to push for a softer Brexit within government. But in public he and the dozen other Scottish Tory MPs have succeeded in treading the tricky line between supporting Brexit and calling for close links to be maintained.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns

Campaigned for Remain in the referendum, but Wales voted narrowly to Leave. His detailed views on Brexit are not clear. 

Leader of the Lords Baroness Ruth Evans

Well aware of the practical difficulties the government will face in getting a Brexit deal through parliament, having played a key role in stewarding the EU Withdrawal Bill through the Upper House.