As ERG Chairman his unyielding opposition to May’s Deal proved to be of great significance.
Brexit has changed much for them, but less than one might think – at least when it comes to their strategic position at Westminster.
Seven voted for Grieve’s motion, six voted against, and the remaining eight did not vote.
Plus: I’ve never thought a national unity government is a runner, and I think it’s even less likely now.
Margot James resigned as a minister following her rebellion. Meanwhile, the Chancellor joined Gauke and Clark in failing to support the Government.
Gove, Stewart and perhaps others too could see their standing and prospects damaged this afternoon.
Plus: I’m still backing Brexit. The Independent Group’s Tory targets. And: it’s a disgrace that public money is being spent on the European elections.
It passed its Third Reading by a single vote. Now the former Labour Minister’s anti-No Deal Bill is off to the Lords.
The list includes the three who resigned from the Government this evening – and Green, one of the Prime Minister’s oldest allies.
The proposal was rejected by 314 votes to 311. Boles, Gyimah, Spelman and Vaizey were among those to rebel. Plus Brine and Harrington.
By longstanding convention the Speaker casts his vote for the status quo. But would he?
Halfon and Stevenson join the Europhile ultras in a very near miss for the Government.
Two of them, Sarah Newton and Paul Masterton, were members of the Government, and have resigned.
Several Ministers helped to see off the Government’s best hope of avoiding a full-on crisis in the Party – and perhaps of saving Brexit too.
There aren’t any surprises here, although on a grim night the Government at least appear to have talked two of its original signatories out of backing it.