We still don’t know much about Theresa May’s mammoth cabinet meeting as she begged her ministers not to ditch the Brexit deal.
But one thing is clear – all did not go to plan.
Number 10 scheduled in three hours for the crunch meeting – it ended up coming in at a whopping five.
READ: Brexit deal: Cabinet backs Theresa May’s plan
And as the confusion grew and patience was severely tested around Westminster the Brexiteers’ anger spiked to levels not yet seen.
Photo: PA / Stefan Rousseau – Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
The European Research Group have always said they want a change in policy, not in leader. But facing the possibility of several of their much-repeated red lines being breached talk turned to their nuclear option.
Many are now openly discussing putting in letters to the chairman of the 1922 committee Graham Brady in a bid to prompt a leadership contest. Only 48 letters are needed to automatically spark a contest and there are already significant numbers sitting in Brady’s inbox.
There may not have been any cabinet walkouts yet, but remember that is was in the days after the Chequers meeting that ministers decided to throw in the towel.
It has been said before, but the next 48 hours are truly critical for May and Brexit. If her deal is deemed a dud anything could happen.
It may well make a second referendum more likely – but the risks are sky-high. If this deal dies a no-deal Brexit would be just as likely as a People’s Vote.
The stakes could not be any higher.
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