Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly facing a backlash this morning from his cabinet with a group of ministers poised to resign over concerns the UK is heading for a no-deal Brexit.

Health secretary Matt Hanock, Culture secretary Nicky Morgan, Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith, Justice secretary Robert Buckland and attorney general Geoffrey Cox are all on a “resignation watch list”.

They reportedly warned Johnson about the “grave” risk of the return of direct rule in Northern Ireland and criticised Johnson’s key adviser, Dominic Cummings.

Once cabinet minister said, “Cabinet will set the strategy, not unelected officials. If this is an attempt to do that then it will fail”.

Separately, the Financial Times reported today that at least 50 Tory MPs will revolt against a general election manifesto pledging to pursue a no-deal Brexit.

Individual MPs are considering running on a softer Brexit platform or even standing aside as Conservative candidates, the report said.