Johnson to hold last-minute meeting with Tory rebels

What scale of Tory rebellion is Boris Johnson facing in tonight’s vote? Depending who you ask, the number of likely Tory rebels ranges from anywhere between 40 and 100. The estimates on the higher end of the spectrum are being dismissed by some Tory MPs as an attempt by government figures to lower expectations so the real number appears small by comparison. However, whatever games are being played, it’s clear there is growing concern in Downing Street over the scale of the rebellion.

Coffee House understands that Tory MPs have been invited to an impromptu meeting with the chief whip Mark Spencer and the Prime Minister at 6 p.m. this evening — ahead of the vote. Due to social distancing, MPs are to join via a Zoom link where Spencer will chair the discussion. It comes after concessions from the government — in the form of the impact assessment and the promise of future votes to renew to measures — failed to quell the rebellion.