Lawmakers in British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party who are trying to oust her as leader have been told to “put up, shut up” by the party’s chief in Scotland, Reuters reports.
Others in the party warned that the uncertainty over May was damaging Brexit negotiations with the European Union.
May on Friday said she would remain as leader after a former Conservative chairman said he had garnered the support of 30 lawmakers who wanted her to quit.
It followed a disastrous speech at the party’s conference and a snap election in June in which May lost her party’s majority in parliament.
Senior figures have rallied round May, but the open rebellion coincides with Britain’s crucial talks with the European Union just 18 months before Britain is due to leave.
EU officials and diplomats have been stepping up preparations for a collapse in Brexit negotiations while one British newspaper reported on Saturday European negotiators were increasing talks with the opposition Labour Party amid concerns May’s government will flounder.