The Chequers Plan has been dead for some time, but Johnson has now read the funeral rites over it.
Steve Brine and Greg Clark, who have also been deprived of the whip, voted with the Government – which lost by 289 votes to 306.
When we work with central government, we improve lives and achieve the best results for our communities.
Seven voted for Grieve’s motion, six voted against, and the remaining eight did not vote.
Mark Spencer has reportedly rung round to inform them that they have lost the Whip.
One could sense Labour MPs, and some Tory ones too, grasping that “everything is changing”.
We can now see the new Government taking shape, after a dramatic bout of sackings and new appointments at the top.
The new Prime Minister will inherit the worst political legacy in living memory – with the very barest of working majorities.
If the campaign management were outsourced, as recently, who would take it on? And if it weren’t, could CCHQ really cope?
Margot James resigned as a minister following her rebellion. Meanwhile, the Chancellor joined Gauke and Clark in failing to support the Government.
If Boris Johnson wants to pursue a No Deal exit, then he will have a fight on his hands with MPs.