Mr Gauke, who said a no-deal departure would be a 'national humiliation', said would resign before Theresa May's successor takes over.

'Given that I’ve been in the Cabinet since Theresa May came to power, I think the appropriate thing is for me to resign to her before she leaves office'

He added: 'If the test of loyalty to stay in the Cabinet is a commitment to support no-deal on October 31 — which, to be fair to him, Boris has consistently said — then that’s not something I’m prepared to sign up to.'

'I recognise that this spell in government is coming to an end. Given that I’ve been in the Cabinet since Theresa May came to power, I think the appropriate thing is for me to resign to her.'

Chancellor Philip Hammond and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart are among up to a dozen ministers planning to quit rather than serve in a Johnson government.

It also reports that up to six Conservative MPs are considering defecting to the Liberal Democrats, in a move that could leave Mr Johnson without a majority in the Commons.

Sources close to Lib Dem leadership hopeful, Ed Davey, told the paper: 'Boris Johnson’s threat to close down Parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit was the final straw for a number of Conservative MPs.'

'With the sitting chancellor Philip Hammond talking openly about voting to bring down his own government if it pursues a hard Brexit, the growing sense is of numerous Conservative MPs now willing to put country before party.'

'It is uncertain yet exactly where this new level of cross-party co-operation will go but it is clear several Conservative MPs are seriously considering their positions.'

Author's comment: The sooner these Remain-supporting ministers leave office, the better. The extent of the sabotage that they have inflicted on the country borders on treason, and Boris Johnson would do well to ensure that every single ministerial position is filled by highly qualified people with an impeccable track record when it comes to supporting Leave.