David Davis has warned it would be “catastrophic” for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union if the Tories engaged in a leadership contest during negotiations with the bloc.

However, the Brexit Secretary refused to rule out challenging Theresa May himself to be leader in the future.

His comments come after Boris Johnson ruled out running to be Tory leader until after Brexit is delivered in 2019.

Meanwhile, Priti Patel, the International Development Secretary, has also refused to be drawn on her own leadership ambitions.

Mr Davis was asked on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show if a Tory leadership contest would be “catastrophic” for Brexit, and replied: “Yes. Listen, let me be absolutely plain about this. Number one, I happen to think we have got a very good prime minister.

“I know she is coming under a lot of pressure at the moment but I have seen her in action, I have seen a number of prime ministers in operation over the years - I go right back to Margaret Thatcher - and I think she is very good, she makes good decisions, she is bold, she takes her time."