Theresa May to face Tory critics at showdown meeting over Brexit

Theresa May is set to face Conservative MPs who are increasingly concerned about her Brexit plans at a potentially crucial meeting later.

The showdown at the backbench 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers in parliament comes amid speculation she could be about to face a vote of no confidence in her leadership.

At the weekend, anonymous opponents warned Sunday newspapers that the prime minister's tenure was under threat.

Some used stark language - with one saying she was in a "killing zone" and another saying she should "bring her own noose" to the meeting.

Ahead of committee convening, a senior Tory source said: "She is going and taking the opportunity to talk to colleagues."

Fresh revelations have recently been made about the government's plans for a "no-deal" Brexit, with alternative measures to secure supplies of food and medicines from the continent being investigated in case of chaos on the English Channel crossing.

Leaked cabinet papers obtained by The Times have also indicated the transition period during which the UK will remain tied to Brussels could turn into a "long-running" arrangement lasting years.

The transition period is due to expire at the end of 2020 - with Mrs May insisting that an extension should only last a few months if one is necessary.

However, the leaked documents conceded that the plan "could, in theory, lead to a long-running IP (implementation period)" - with the arrangement potentially continuing on a "rolling basis" and being reviewed once a year.

The violent rhetoric ahead of the 1922 meeting sparked a backlash from across the political spectrum, with one Tory former minister calling on the PM to reprimand the MP or MPs responsible.

There have been suggestions the briefings have backfired and caused MPs to rally behind Mrs May.

Mrs May is facing a crucial period in her leadership, as she battles to keep her party on side and secure a withdrawal deal with the EU and get it through parliament.

She updated MPs on the Brexit state of play on Monday, telling the Commons an agreement on the terms of Britain's EU exit was 95% done.

She also called on fellow Tories to "hold our nerve" and get a deal over the line.

At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, she ordered ministers to present weekly updates on Brexit preparations, either with or without a deal.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab will deliver the updates - and he told those gathered that "good progress" was being made on preparing for both outcomes.

Mrs May said preparations for no-deal remain "essential", but stressed the government was focused on getting a deal.

There has been speculation that the number of Tory MPs submitting letters calling for her removal is approaching the 48 needed to trigger a no confidence vote in her leadership.

Under the rules, 15% of them must write letters to the party chairman calling for a ballot.