TORY MPs have spoken out in defence of their decision to back the Conservative government, despite voting against PM Theresa May and her Brexit deal previously.

Both James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, and Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, voted against Labour’s motion of no confidence in the Government on Wednesday night.

But just a day earlier, the pair voted against the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal as it suffered a crushing defeat, while in November, they both voted against Mrs May as she survived a vote of no confidence.

Mr Duddridge insisted the Tory party must back the current government, or risk opening the door to Labour, who would “dismantle” Brexit, while Mr Francois branded it an easy decision.

Mr Duddridge said: “Although Brexit is one of the largest decisions facing our country today, it is not the only one.

“I am proud of the achievements we have made during our time in Government with record employment, record funding in our NHS, and a balanced approach to the economy which has meant tax cuts for millions and a reduction in the Nation’s deficit.

“Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party threatens to dismantle that. It is clear that this hard left wing party are not interested in delivering Brexit nor are they interested in delivering for our country.

“A country under the control of the Labour Party would mean higher taxes, uncontrolled spending, and an attack on aspiration both for individuals and our country as a whole.

“I could not, in good conscious, hand the keys of Downing Street to Jeremy Corbyn. This is why I voted against the Labour Party’s vote of no confidence.”

Mr Francois branded the vote “sheer opportunism” by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

He said: “On Tuesday the House of Commons voted on whether or not to accept the withdrawal agreement, which is a international treaty that would be binding in international law.

“The treaty unfortunately meant we would not actually leave the EU, as this is contrary to the decision of the public I voted against.

“On Wednesday, the vote of no confidence was sheer opportunism by Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour party.

“And I had no difficulty in voting it down, and the Labour motion was clearly defeated.”