Tory whip Gareth Johnson has quit the government ahead of tomorrow's meaningful vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal.
The Dartford MP, who voted Leave, said he could not support Theresa May’s Brexit deal because it would be "detrimental to our nation's interests".
In his letter of resignation, Mr Johnson said that the deal “prevents us taking back control and instead could leave us perpetually constrained by the European Union”.
He added: "I cannot accept the additional regulatory compliance required of Northern Ireland that would set it apart from the rest of the United Kingdom ...
"I was hopeful that changes could be made to improve the deal with the European Union but it is now clear to me that no significant change will be made to this agreement before the Meaningful Vote takes place."
Gareth Johnson letter pic.twitter.com/9Vz25VCfqp
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) January 14, 2019
Mr Johnson, 49, has been MP for Dartford since 2010 and served as parliamentary private secretary to former Brexit secretaries David Davis and Dominic Raab before being appointed an assistant whip in November.
He is the 13th Tory to resign over Brexit.
Mr Johnson's announcement comes as Theresa May gears up for a last-ditch plea to the House of Commons this afternoon.
On the eve of the meaningful vote, the Prime Minister has urged MPs to consider the "consequences" of their actions if they reject her deal.
Read more: Theresa May accused of 'utter hypocrisy' over her defending democracy speech
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