Theresa May will face leadership challenge tonight

Theresa May will face a vote of no confidence tonight after the Conservatives backbench committee recieved the required 48 letters calling for a contest.

The Prime Minister has faced severe criticism from within her own party over her negotiated Brexit deal with the European Union, with both leavers and remainers unhappy with the terms.

If May loses the vote of no confidence the party will elect a new leader who would then become the UK Prime Minister, but would need to secure the backing of the DUP to get legislation passed. May would not be able to stand.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, announced this morning that the 48-letter threshold to trigger a ballot had been reached and that the vote will begin at 6pm.

He said: "The threshold of 15 per cent of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative party has been exceeded.

Justice Secretary David Gauke told Radio 4 that Article 50, the process of leaving the EU, would most likely have to be extended if May is toppled.

If May wins the vote, it will consolidate her position over her critics, particularly the European Research Group, a body of MPs who want a hard Brexit to cut ties with the EU.

It is not yet clear who would stand in a resultant leadership contest. Brexiteer Penny Morduant tweeted: "The Prime Minister has my full support, not least because she has always done what she firmly believes is in the national interest. Our country needs us all to fight for a good deal and prepare for a no deal senario. All eyes and hands should be on that task."