Tory leadership contest would be 'catastrophic' for Brexit talks, David Davis says

A Tory leadership contest would be “catastrophic” for Brexit negotiations, David Davis has said.

The Brexit Secretary quashed talk of a change in the Conservative party leadership and said any colleagues who were considering a challenge to Theresa May should “stop being so self-indulgent.”

Mr Davis, who is tipped as one of the front runners to lead the party next, told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show Mrs May was a “very good Prime Minister” and that he needed a “stable backdrop" to complete the Brexit negotiations.

Asked if a Tory leadership contest would be catastrophic for the Britain’s divorce talks with the European Union, he said: “Yes, let me be absolutely plain about this.

"Number One, I think we’ve got a great Prime Minister, I know she’s coming under a lot of pressure at the moment but I’ve seen her in action, I’ve seen a number of Prime Ministers operating over the years, I go right back to Margaret Thatcher.

“I think she’s very good, she makes good decisions, she’s bold, she takes her time. It’s very, very clear that she’s a good prime Minister.

“Point Two, I want a stable backdrop for these Brexit negotiations, it’s hard work by the way.”

Mr Davis was then asked Marr what he would say to his colleagues who may be considering triggering a leadership challenge against the PM.

He said: “Don’t be so self-indulgent is my message to those, in terms, stop being so self-indulgent and get on with the day job.”

Later on ITV's Peston on Sunday, International Development Secretary Priti Patel did not rule out standing for leader in the future but said she was "focused on getting on with the job that needs to be done right now".

Speaking about Brexit talks, Mr Davis said he was "pretty sure" an agreement could be struck but left the door open to leaving the bloc without one.

He said that "no deal would be better than a punishment deal".

His remarks come after Chancellor Philip Hammond said that no deal would be "very, very bad" for the UK.

“I'm pretty sure, I am not 100 per cent sure, you can never be, it's a negotiation," Mr Davis said.

"I'm sure there will be a deal, whether it's the deal I want, which is a free trade agreement, the customs agreement, and so on, I'm pretty sure, but I'm not certain."

Mr Davis said that part of his portfolio was planning for a bad outcome.

He said: "We cannot have a circumstance where the other side says that they are going to punish you. So, if that happens then there is a walkaway, and we have to plan for that.

"Half my job is the invisible job of actually planning for all outcomes, the good, the bad, the whole range."