The Cabinet came close to a meltdown over Theresa May’s Brexit deal last night as Esther McVey voiced serious objections.
The Work and Pensions Secretary is described as ‘by far’ the most vehement opponent of the controversial package at the five-hour marathon showdown.
Sources told MailOnline Ms McVey was ’emotional’ and an ‘outlier’ as she twice urged a breach in the convention that the Cabinet does not hold formal votes – making clear she wanted to put her concerns on record.
The idea was apparently rebuffed by Mrs May who pointed out that decisions were usually taken based on the mood of the room.
She is now on resignation watch – with colleagues saying they would not be surprised if she decides to go.
But Ms McVey was far from the only one with doubts, as around 10 ministers – nearly a third of the total – spoke out against parts of the package.
Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey is described as ‘by far’ the most vehement opponent of the controversial package at the five-hour marathon showdown
Environment Secretary Michael Gove (left) is said to have backed the deal with a ‘heavy heart’, while Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom voiced deep misgivings about some elements
Dominic Raab, Michael Gove, and Geoffrey Cox were described as backing the plan ‘with a heavy heart’.
Aid Secretary Penny Mordaunt, who was thought to be among those closest to quitting, demanded assurances from the premier on key points.
Defence Secretary Gavin Willliamson also expressed reservations about elements of the deal, as did Liam Fox, Jeremy Hunt and Andrea Leadsom.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid is understood to have asked whether there was any chance of trying to toughen up the exit clause from the Irish border ‘backstop’ – but did not press the issue conceding that the negotiating team was best place to know what could be achieved.
There are also rumours swirling about Mr Raab’s intentions.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell had emerged as a potential risk after he signed a letter warning against giving away fishing rights as part of the agreement.
He tonight confirmed that he was staying in the tent, without giving a full-hearted endorsement of the blueprint thrashed out with Brussels.
Another Cabinet source said many of the ministers took potshots at ‘specific’ parts of the deal or offered ‘constructive criticism’, rather than opposing it wholesale.
‘The Brexiteers moaned, but they did not have any alternative,’ the source said. ‘We are where we are.’
The discussion is said to have focused almost exclusively on the withdrawal package, with no real mention of the future trade relationship. One source said whether Mrs May ‘pivots’ away from Chequers is still an open issue.
Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, an eminent QC and staunch Brexiteer, has emerged as a key figure in wrangling over the Irish border ‘backstop’. Treasury minister Liz Truss (right) was also among ministers at the session
After nearly five hours of behind-closed doors discussions, the PM declared that she will press ahead with her controversial plan
Just after 7pm – three hours behind schedule – Mrs May emerged from Downing Street to declare the deal had been signed off.
But her reference to a ‘collective’ decision rather than a unanimous one immediately raised eyebrows.
Admitting that the debate had been ‘long and impassioned’, she said: ‘The collective decision of Cabinet was that the government should agree the draft Withdrawal Agreement and the outline political declaration.
‘I know there will be difficult days ahead. This is a decision that will come under intense scrutiny and that is entirely as it should be.
‘But the choice was this deal that enables to take back control and build a brighter future or going back to square one with division and uncertainty.’
‘I firmly believe with my head and heart that this decisive choice is in the best interests of the entire UK.’