Theresa May could set resignation day this week, says Sir Graham Brady

Theresa May could offer a “clear understanding” of when she will stand down as Prime Minister this week, the chairman of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady has said.

Sir Graham told BBC Radio 4’s Week in Westminster that he expected Mrs May would offer to ‘clarify’ her plans regarding her departure when she meets the backbench committee on Wednesday.

Mrs May has said in the past that she will leave her role once the Brexit deal has been passed by MPs in the House of Commons.

She has lost by a big margin on her last three bids to get the deal through parliament and tensions have escalated due to her failure to deliver Brexit for the original deadline of March 29.

Sir Graham said the 1922 Committee has asked Mrs May to give “clarity” about her plans for the future and she had “offered to come and meet with the executive”.

“It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding… at the end of the meeting.”

The Tory MP said that Mrs May did not want to set a date for her departure due to any potential impact it could have on any future Brexit vote.

He also said: “I don’t think it’s about an intention for staying indefinitely as prime minister or leader of the Conservative Party.

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“I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure Parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely.”

There has been increased pressure on Mrs May to resign from her role particularly around the outlook for Tories at the European elections.

There is speculation that Sir Graham could run in the next leadership contest to replace Mrs May.

He refused to dismiss the prospect of running during the BBC Radio 4 programme.