Top Tory Remainer minister performs huge U-turns on Brexit

Remain backing Tory MP Amber Rudd has changed her stance on the possibility of leaving the EU with a no-deal Brexit.

The Work and Pensions Secretary has remained firm in her criticism of the UK leaving the bloc without a deal in place.

Alongside David Gauke and Greg Clark, Rudd previously attempted to force Theresa May to rule out no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29.

But as leadership contenders Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt both stress how they will accept a no deal if it means leaving on deadline day, Ms Rudd appears to have U-turned on the scenario.

Speaking on TALKRadio, Ms Rudd said: “Both candidates have said no deal is part of the armoury and I have accepted that.

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“The situation is we are leaving by the end of Oct but it would be so much better to get a deal.”

But she insisted that it was in everyone’s best interests to work together to secure a Brexit agreement.

Ms Rudd continued: "As we know, it isn't as straight forward as we would like it to be because the Prime Minister has tried on several occasions to do that.”

The cabinet minister said she was backing Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race.

She added: "I'm backing Jeremy Hunt because I think he's the best person to be able to get the best deal amended from the EU and be able to sell that in Parliament to people."

But some view her change in opinion as an attempt to secure a job in Boris Johnson’s cabinet if he become the next Prime Minister.

Ex-Tory MP Nick Boles said on Twitter: "So she will let Boris Johnson drive her home after all - so long as it’s in a ministerial limo..."

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