Braintree's MP is calling for people to be 'more realistic' as the prime minster desperately attempts to revive her flailing Brexit deal.

James Cleverly says he is confident the European Union will make further concessions over the contentious issue of the Irish border but has warned there is unlikely to be any major changes to the proposed deal.

MP's were due to vote on Theresa May's plan for leaving the EU on Tuesday, however the government deferred the vote at the last minute to allow the prime minister extra time to renegotiate aspects of her deal with European leaders.

Mr Cleverly had given his full support to the proposed deal during a live TV debate on Sunday evening, where he argued that rejecting the exit agreement would lead to "damaging uncertainty".

Following the decision to delay Tuesday's crucial vote in the House of Commons, the deputy chairman of the Conservative party says he remains supportive of both Mrs May, and her vision for leaving the EU.

Speaking to the Times, he said: "The EU has adapted its position in the past so I think they will listen and be able to make some more concessions.

"We need to be realistic about how much change there can be to this deal though. This isn't going to be a complete rewrite.

"As the prime minister said, no deal made from a negotiated position is going to be perfect.

"Most of the people I have spoken to want assurances on the backstop and the Irish border. It's the main concern and if they can get those assurances then I think there will be greater support.

"I think the prime minister inherited a very tough assignment and has worked very hard on delivering a deal based on the referendum result that doesn't put things like employers or the deficit at risk."

Mr Cleverly said though he would not be against exiting the EU without a deal, he would continue to represent the views of his constituents and push for a deal to be struck before the official leaving date on March 29.

He added: "I am absolutely committed to delivering what I campaigned for which was leaving the European Union without damaging businesses and the economy in my constituency."