No less than the ERG, the group of three sees everything through the prism of Brexit – which, let it not be forgotten, they voted to support themselves.
But their deputies look stricken, while the defectors are rejuvenated.
“The Party that was once the most trusted on the economy is no marching us towards the cliff edge of a no deal Brexit
We regret the Party being less broad a tent than it did this morning. But the position of these MPs had become impossible – and intolerable.
They move from the Government side of the chamber to the Opposition one to sit with the Independent Group.
“I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve.”
“There is a failure of politics in general, not just in the Conservative Party but in both main parties as they move to the fringes.”
She hopes to move quickly while Labour is splitting, get a quick gloss on the backstop, square the ERG with a hint of Malthouse later – and, hey presto, the deal will be done.
At least four Tory MPs have apparently been placed on defection watch including Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Richard Harrington.
The People’s Vote is bound up with New Labour and talk of a new party. This does nothing to help it among Tory MPs…and much to harm it among Labour ones.
In the night’s only defeat for the Government, it passed by 318 votes to 310 – and with the largest rebellion from Conservative MPs.
Despite their support, the amendment fell by 322 to 290 votes.
The proposal was defeated by 321 to 301 votes.
Freeman joins the rebellion. But the amendment fell by 321 to 298.