A Tory MP who quit the frontbench over Brexit has hinted that other ministers could follow his lead and resign.

Former justice minister Phillip Lee said he had spoken to ministers who are concerned about the direction of travel but said he did not know whether they would also stand down.

Asked if other resignations were in the pipeline as he appeared on Sky’s Ridge On Sunday, Dr Lee said: “Before I made my decision, I made my decision in isolation, it was a decision about my own future on the basis of what I thought.

“Since I’ve made that decision, yes, I’ve had communications, conversations with ministers at all levels who are concerned about the direction of travel, but it’s up to them to make their own judgments about when it is right for them, and how to express those views – it’s not up to me.”

Pressed on whether more resignations were on the cards, he said: “I honestly don’t know.”

He said he was worried about ending up with the “worst of both worlds”, where “both Leavers and Remainers are unhappy with the outcome”.

“That isn’t good for my country and I want a better future for my country, for my children, for my grandchildren: that’s why I’ve done what I’ve done.”

Dr Lee quit as justice minister after two years in the post on Tuesday in order to join Tory rebels voting for a greater say for Parliament over the final Brexit deal.

In the event, Mrs May was able to see off the rebellion with the offer of a compromise amendment, and the Bracknell MP ended up abstaining on the vote.