Brexiteer big beasts lead Tory revolt as 177 of May’s own MPs fail to back another Brexit delay
Andrea Leadsom and Liam Fox were among several Tories to abstain on the PM's plan to extend Article 50
CABINET Brexiteer big-wigs last night led a fresh Tory revolt on Theresa May's plan to seek another delay to leaving the EU.
Andrea Leadsom and Liam Fox were two of 177 Tory MPs who failed to support a June 30 extension, which the PM is begging other EU leaders for today.
Some 97 Tories voted against the motion to seek a delay in a move forced on the Government by Labour’s Yvette Cooper.
That included ex-Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, ex-DWP boss Esther McVey and former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab.
And a further 80 abstained including Attorney General Geoffrey Cox – despite being ‘whipped’ by party chiefs to support it.
One member of the Government told The Sun: "I told the whips I just couldn't vote for a delay even if that got me sacked - they turned a blind eye."
And dozens are thought to be away from Westminster on holiday despite Easter recess being cancelled.
But it meant just 131 Tories actually backed the PM’s formal request.
The vote was effectively symbolic given the PM had already asked Brussels for the request – but it consolidates it in law to try and prevent a No Deal.
most read in politics
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online politics team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours