AN MP has expressed “disappointment” at his south Essex colleague who controversially gave the Prime Minister a vote of no confidence.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, caused quite a stir this week when he submitted a letter saying Theresa May is “incapable” of delivering Brexit, and should be replaced as PM, just an hour before her speech at the Conservative Party Conference.

Now Stephen Metcalfe, Conservative MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, has hit back.

He said: I am disappointed that he has written expressing his ‘no confidence’ in Theresa May and the timing of it.

“Whatever our views on Brexit, I think it would be self-indulgent of us as a party to change the leader. There is a lot of confusion surrounding Brexit right now, and while some people believe a change of leader would be good for Brexit, I do not believe it would change anything.”

Former Rochford District Councillor, James Cottis showed support for Mrs May too after speaking with her at the conference. He said he spoke with her about Brexit.

He added: “She did say she is doing her best and she is hopeful. There will be an agreement but it could be at the very last minute. The party is divided between leavers and remainers, I respect Mr Duddridge for standing up and making his feelings known. That is his opinion.”

In Mr Duddridge’s letter, he stated he had “not met a single MP who thinks she will lead us into another election after the last disastrous snap election.”

He said earlier this week: “We will fail to cut through on issues other than Brexit until we are beyond Brexit.

“I write this with heavy heart; however, we now need a proper leadership.” The Echo contacted Mr Duddridge for comment but he did not reply before the paper went to print.