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Lee Anderson has resigned as deputy Conservative chairman to rebel over the government’s flagship Rwanda bill.<\/p>\n
Another deputy party chairman, Brendan Clarke-Smith, also resigned ahead of voting against the government.<\/p>\n
In a joint letter to the prime minister, the pair said they supported the legislation but wanted to make sure it was “watertight”.<\/p>\n
They were among 60 Tory MPs who backed an amendment which rebels said was aimed at toughening up the bill.<\/p>\n
The legislation seeks to revive the government’s plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda and deter people from crossing the Channel in small boats.<\/p>\n
In their resignation letter, the pair said they had previously argued that “safeguards” were needed to ensure the legislation was “watertight”.<\/p>\n
“It is therefore important in terms of credibility that we are consistent with this,” they added.<\/p>\n
The Tory MPs said they had supported rebel amendments to the Rwanda bill “not because we are against the legislation, but because like everyone else we want it to work”.<\/p>\n
Both represent so-called “red wall” seats previously held by Labour and have been outspoken on the need to tackle illegal immigration.<\/p>\n
With strong support from the right of the party, there had been speculation Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would choose not to sack them as they held party not government positions.<\/p>\n
But in their letter, they acknowledged their “important roles” meant they were bound by collective responsibility – so are expected to vote with the government or resign.<\/p>\n
Amendments tabled by Robert Jenrick – who resigned as immigration minister last year over the Rwanda legislation – and veteran Conservative Sir Bill Cash were among those voted on by MPs.<\/p>\n
Sir Bill’s proposal, which aimed to prevent any international law being used to block someone being removed to Rwanda, was defeated 529 votes to 68.<\/p>\n
Senior Tories including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and former Prime Minister Liz Truss were among those voting in favour.<\/p>\n
Mr Jenrick’s amendment was also defeated, by 525 votes to 58.<\/p>\n
Under his proposal, people could still appeal their removal to Rwanda, but only after they had been deported.<\/p>\n
The bigger test for the government is expected to come on Wednesday, when some of the rebels could vote against the entire bill.<\/p>\n
If around 30 Tory MPs joined opposition parties in voting against the legislation it could be defeated.<\/p>\n
At least four Tories – including Mr Jenrick and Mrs Braverman – have publicly said they are prepared to vote against the bill if it is not improved, with reports that more could join them.<\/p>\n
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