The dilemma facing the anti-no deal Tory rebels

After the government confirmed James’s story that any Tory MPs who rebel in a Brexit vote this week will have the whip withdrawn and be unable to stand as a Conservative at the next election, anti-no deal MPs find themselves in a dilemma. No 10’s aim is to present them with a simple choice: Johnson or Corbyn, making clear that the wrong decision will be career-ending. A number have been dissuaded from joining efforts tomorrow to legislate against no deal. Others – including David Gauke and Rory Stewart – appear to be holding firm.

However, whatever happens this week with the votes, the dilemma for the anti-no deal Tories will remain much the same. The Conservative party under Johnson is set on a path that many cannot reconcile with their Brexit views. Johnson’s aim – with the help of his senior aide Dominic Cummings – is to reunite the Leave vote to win a majority at the next election – whether it’s in a few weeks or a few months.