By Tony O'Riley-
Over a dozen ministers are preparing to quit the Tory party the moment Boris Johnson becomes PM next week after a Brexit rebellion on Wednesday.
Senior Tories have joined up with Labour and Lib Dem MPs to prevent the new PM to suspend or “prorogue” Parliament this autumn to force through No Deal. On a significant day of disagreements in Parliament that saw the resignation of one minister and four rebellious cabinet ministers refuse to vote, including Philip Hammond; the justice secretary, David Gauke; the business secretary, Greg Clark; and Rory Stewart, the international development secretary.
The Sun revealed late on Wednesday night that other Tory heavyweights were preparing to walk out next Tuesday once Mr Johnson’s inevitable victory is confirmed.Chancellor Philip Hammond, Justice Secretary David Gauke and Business Secretary Greg Clark. Other rebels include junior ministers like Foreign Office minister Sir Alan Duncan, Boris’s former deputy, and Education minister Anne Milton. Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley, climate change minister Claire Perry and Immigration minister Caroline Nokes.
The mass rebellion provides evidence of the current lack of faith in Johnson to handle Brexit in the best interest of the British people. The rebellion comes after a majority of 41 approved an amendment that blocks suspension between 9 October and 18 December unless a Northern Ireland executive is formed. Johnson’s supporters want the new prime minister next week to be able to suspend parliament, if such action will be necessary to enforce Brexit.
Sir Alan, who went against his party for the first time in 27 years, later laid his cards on the table by revealing he won’t be speaking again from the Despatch Box.
Others expected to quit are Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley, climate change minister Claire Perry and Immigration minister Caroline Nokes.