Ex-Chancellor Philip Hammond is leading talks with Tory rebel MPs about setting up a group to try and survive the next general election.
The former Theresa May lieutenant is reportedly in discussions with other ex-Cabinet ministers including Amber Rudd and David Gauke about saving the careers of the 21 rebel Tory MPs stripped of the whip by Boris Johnson, after they voted against the Government in a crucial vote to prevent a no-deal Brexit .
While the group would rather have the whip reinstated, they have said they are willing to stand as independent Conservatives.
The plan would see them pool donations and resources in the hope of saving their under fire political careers.
One person with knowledge of the conversations told Buzzfeed News that the group was a party in all but name.
They could present a risk to Boris Johnson securing a majority in an election - but many of them, including Amber Rudd, have minuscule majorities and would likely be wiped out by opposition parties in any snap poll.
Speaking to BuzzFeed News, Mr Hammond said: “My preference is to run as a Tory candidate, but if I am not able to, I plan to stand as an independent.
"Obviously, in that situation, I would look to cooperate with any other ex-Tories standing in similar circumstances.”
