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Nicky Morgan: PM's political capital is 'almost expired'

Former education secretary Nicky Morgan says that the prime minister's "political capital has now almost expired", and that it is time to hand on to somebody else.

The Conservative backbencher said she hoped that Theresa May will decide not to put the bill before Parliament, "because the consequences of losing that vote are so serious".

The 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers met on Wednesday evening, but decided not to change rules which would have allowed an immediate vote of no confidence in the PM.

Tory MP Michael Fabricant tweeted: "Executive of 1922 has made no decision. Paralysis.

"I wonder if there should be a vote of No Confidence in the 1922 Executive? Colleagues are growing impatient."

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One Tory MP described the outcome of the 1922 Committee meeting as "the can kicked down until Friday" when Sir Graham Brady will meet Theresa May.

Leaving the 1922 Committee meeting, Tory MP Steve Baker said of the timetable ahead: "The Prime Minister will be campaigning for the European elections and on Friday she will meet Sir Graham.

"Obviously they will discuss matters of interest.

"It's very much going to depend on the result of the elections and I'm sure (the media) will be able to give us a flavour.

"People are rather impatient, but equally most colleagues do appreciate this is a very difficult time for everyone."

After the 1922 Committee meeting, Sir Graham Brady told reporters: "I will be meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday following her campaigning in the European elections tomorrow and following that meeting I will be consulting with the 1922 executive."

He said the executive discussed "all sorts of things" in the meeting.