Halstead's MP is calling for people to be “more realistic” over Brexit as he reaffirmed his support for the Prime Minister.

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.

MPs were due to vote on the Prime Minister’s plan for leaving the EU on Tuesday, however the Government deferred the vote at the last minute.

This triggered a vote of no confidence in Mrs May’s leadership on Wednesday. The Prime Minister clung onto power after gaining the support of 200 Conservative MP’s, including Mr Cleverly who had confirmed prior to casting his vote that he stood by Mrs May.

Mr Cleverly had also given his full support to the prime minister’s proposed Brexit deal during a live TV debate on Sunday, where he argued rejecting her proposed exit agreement would lead to “damaging uncertainty”.

Despite the tumultuous week, the deputy chairman of the Conservative Party has told the Gazette he will continue to back Mrs May and her vision for Brexit.

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.

“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 an agreement 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.”