MPs return to Westminster as Brexit talks resumes between the Tories and Labour

Theresa May could be leading the Conservatives to heavy losses in the local elections. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire - Credit: PA

Fresh talks will resume between Labour and the Tories as MPs return to Westminster following their Easter break.

Ministerial discussions are expected in the afternoon, with May’s de facto deputy David Lidington, Brexit secretary Steve Barclay and chief whip Julian Smith representing the government.

Theresa May will host a meeting on Monday, while Change UK – the Independent Group will launch its European election campaign in Bristol, and Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party will unveil its latest tranche of candidates in London.

It has emerged that the PM could face an unprecedented vote of confidence in her leadership after 70 local Conservative association chiefs signed a petition in support of a poll.

They called for an extraordinary general meeting of the National Conservative Convention to discuss the prime minister’s leadership of the party, the Telegraph reported.


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A non-binding vote is expected to be held at the meeting, which would – if it showed a lack of confidence – put pressure on the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs to find a way of forcibly removing the PM from office.

May has come under heavy criticism for her handling of the Brexit process, but survived a vote of confidence by her MPs in December.

Under party rules a year has to pass before another vote can be called, but an extraordinary general meeting must be held if more than 65 local associations demand one through a petition, the paper said.