Tory MP Says Jeremy Corbyn As Prime Minister Is Better Than No-Deal Brexit

Bebb, who had already hinted he could support a vote of no confidence in Johnson, said: “I think there are other alternatives that are open to us.

“But I do think that those who have said that they will do anything necessary to stop the long-term damage of a no deal exit must take seriously this type of offer.”

He added: “So I think that there are other proposals that can be taken in terms of ensuring no deal is taken off the table.

“But I certainly take the view that a short-term Jeremy Corbyn government is less damaging than the generational damage that would be caused by a no deal Brexit.”

Bebb announced last month he would be stepping down as an MP at the next general election, and resigned as defence minister to back a second Brexit referendum.

Johnson’s government only has a majority of one, so any whiff of a rebellion is seen as significant. It remains unclear how many would actually vote to remove their own party from power, if any.

Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson has said she would rather have an interim government led by a respected backbencher like Ken Clarke or Harriet Harman, but the apparent openness of the Tories to at least discuss the idea with Corbyn will add to the pressure on her.

On Thursday night, she published an open letter suggesting Labour does not have the numbers in parliament for his plan to work.