Rory Stewart was promoted to International Development Secretary following the sacking of former Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. Talks are due to resume tomorrow between the Government and Labour opposition in a bid to reach a Brexit agreement. The deal could include some form of customs union type relationship between the UK and EU.

Asked by a BBC reporter whether an agreement with Labour could split the Tories Mr Stewart replied: “This is the most torturous, torrid, painful time in British politics since the Second World War.

“I think to get Brexit done, and to move the country on, is worth an enormous amount.

“We may have to take some short-term pain to do that”.

There have been reports that as few as 90 Tory MPs would back any deal with Labour.

Mrs May launched negotiations with the opposition after her Brexit withdrawal agreement with the EU was rejected three times by the House of Commons.

This resulted in the Brexit date being delayed twice, until October 31 unless Parliament backs the agreement.

However tensions between Labour negotiators and the Government increased after Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell claimed details of their talks were being leaked.

Speaking on the BBC Andrew Marr show he said: “We have maintained confidentiality as that is what we were asked to do. We haven’t briefed the media.

“So it is disappointing the prime minister has broken that, and I think it is an act of bad faith.

“I fully understand now why she couldn’t negotiate a decent deal with our European partners if she behaves in this way.”

If the Government does agree with Labour to seek a customs union type relationship with the EU it could prevent the UK signing comprehensive trade agreements with third countries.

Britain would also have to continue abiding by a significant proportion of EU regulations, despite having a reduced say over their content.

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