Michael Gove said he "absolutely" had confidence in Mrs May as he confirmed he would not be following several other ministers out of the door.

And Liam Fox urged MPs to support the PM's draft Brexit agreement, saying a "deal was better than no deal".

The PM has named health minister Steve Barclay as her new Brexit Secretary following Dominic Raab's exit.

The 46-year old former banking executive backed Leave in the 2016 referendum and has never rebelled against the Tory whip during his eight years in the Parliament.

A mini-reshuffle has also seen Amber Rudd confirmed as the new work and pensions secretary after Esther McVey's resignation on Thursday.

The BBC understands Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom could oversee a meeting over the weekend of pro-Brexit cabinet members who have concerns about the deal.

Mr Gove and Mr Fox are expected be present, along with International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.

The news came as more Conservatives expressed unhappiness with Mrs May's leadership and urged a confidence vote.

The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said about 20 Tories have, so far, publicly stated they have submitted letters of no confidence in the PM over her handling of Brexit.

This is some way short of the 48 needed to trigger a vote under Conservative Party rules.

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