Katy Balls Katy Balls

What the 48 ‘no confidence’ letters speculation is missing

The speculation that Theresa May is perilously close to the 48 letters required for a confidence vote has – as Steerpike documents here – been going on for some time. That’s not to say it won’t happen. Morale is at low point within the party. But as a consequence of that, the sheer number of downcast MPs means that if May’s critics really wanted a confidence vote this week they could make it happen.

There are over 48 MPs unhappy with May’s leadership – and who think the party would be better off with a new leader. For example, the StandUp4Brexit campaign group alone has now had 50 MPs publicly sign up – meaning they all oppose Chequers:

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