Government tries to bring forward MPs' summer break amid pressure on Theresa May

Prime minister accused of 'running scared of a leadership contest' after seeking to send MPs home earlier than planned

The government has tabled a parliamentary motion to bring forward MPs' summer break amid growing pressure on Theresa May, The Independent understands.

Ministers want Parliament to rise on Thursday rather than next Tuesday as originally scheduled, with the proposed change set to be voted on by MPs on Tuesday. Many have already vowed to oppose it.

It comes amid mounting pressure on Ms May over her Brexit strategy, with Tory Brexiteers having threatened to trigger a vote of no confidence in her.

A motion tabled on Monday night by Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the Commons, proposes Parliament adjourn until 4 September. Government and House of Commons sources confirmed the plan to The Independent.

The confirmation is likely to fuel suggestions the prime minister is bringing forward the six-week summer break in an attempt to avoid a challenge against her.

Eurosceptic Tories furious at her Brexit strategy have threatened to trigger a vote of no confidence and are reported to be close to the 48 signatures needed to guarantee one is held.

However, bringing forward the parliamentary recess would likely ensure there is not enough time a vote to be called and organised before MPs depart Westminster for their constituencies and their summer holidays.

The prime minister also appeared to have bought herself some breathing space after agreeing to support four amendments tabled by anti-EU MPs to a key Brexit bill, helping to placate some Tories who were ready to move against her. Two of the amendments were passed by just three votes after 14 pro-EU Tories rebelled.

But Ms May faces a fresh headache on Tuesday after it emerged the government could encounter strong opposition to its plan to alter the parliamentary schedule.

Labour sources suggested the party would vote against bringing the summer break forward and, amid public outcry over the proposal, several Conservative MPs pledged to do likewise.

Sir Nicholas Soames and Nick Boles both took to Twitter to express their opposition. Sir Nicholas tweeted news of the plan along with the hashtag #iwillvoteagainst. Mr Boles added: "Me too."

Sir Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, told The Independent: “With the Tories languishing in a state of civil war, Theresa May is running scared of a leadership challenge with plans for an early recess."