Meriden's MP gives Theresa May her backing

NORTH Solihull's MP has said she will be backing Theresa May in tonight's vote of no confidence.
Dame Caroline Spelman, who represents the Meriden constituency, was among those to voice their support for the beleaguered Conservative leader.
It was confirmed this morning that Mrs May would face a confidence vote, after 15 per cent of the party's MPs submitted letters stating they had lost faith in her leadership.
The crunch vote comes after weeks of speculation that there would be a concerted push to oust the current leader, who faces a desperate battle to get her Brexit deal through the House of Commons.
Speaking on Twitter, Dame Caroline: "I’m very disappointed that at this hugely significant time in our nations’ history some of my colleagues have seen fit to trigger a confidence vote in @theresa_may.
"Mrs May has made a supreme effort to deliver on the referendum result. I will continue to support her."
Later in the day, she said that the vast majority of constituents to contact her office had called for her to support the Prime Minister.
Dame Caroline entered Parliament at the same time as Mrs May - they were among the few new Tory MPs in 1997, a year in which the party suffered a crushing defeat.
The two women later served together in cabinet after Mrs May's predecessor, David Cameron, formed a coalition government.
If Mrs May receives the backing of the majority of her Parliamentary party then she cannot be challenged for another 12 months. If however she loses tonight's vote, she will be forced to step down, triggering a leadership contest. The result of the secret ballot is due before 9pm.