Rishi Sunak has suffered his biggest Tory MP rebellion in the Commons since becoming Prime Minister, after 68 voted for a rebel amendment on his flagship Rwanda Bill.
Robert Jenrick and Sir Bill Cash led the charge, encouraging dozens of Tory MPs to join them in dealing a major blow to Mr Sunak’s authority.
In the first of numerous votes set to come this evening, the swathe of rebels backed Sir Bill’s amendment, aimed at preventing any international law, including the ECHR, from being considered in future legal cases against the Rwanda policy.
Tory chairmen Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith shocked Westminster at 6pm, resigning from their roles in order to back the rebellion.
Further resignations may be confirmed later when the list of rebels is published in full.
Earlier today the Chief Whip Simon Hart delivered an ultimatum to wavering Tory MPs considering backing the rebel amendments.
The Express understands Mr Hart made clear that any member of the payroll that doesn’t support the Government this evening will have made their position untenable.
More votes on amendments are set to come this evening, before the final Third Reading vote on the Bill tomorrow.
The key legislation is being presented as a make-or-break opportunity for Mr Sunak to get illegal migration under control and stop the boats ahead of the General Election.
Many of the rebels, who argue the legislation isn’t tough enough to succeed crossings, warn any further failures to deport migrants will only contribute to the Tories’ potential election bruising.
MORE TO COME…
