STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James has joined the latest Brexit bust-up with a controversial tweet slapping down hardline colleagues.

Ms James, who is a minister in the Conservative government, has been quick to back chief whip Julian Smith who told the BBC a softer Brexit became more likely after the 2017 general election.

Mr Smith added the party should have been clearer on the consequences of losing their majority in the House of Commons after the vote.

After his remarks were made public, Ms James said: "Absolutely right too, although unusual to hear from a Chief Whip what he said was the harsh reality that so many hard Brexiteers need to hear."

Theresa May called the snap election in 2017 aiming to get a bigger majority in the Commons but instead ended up leading a minority government propped up by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

The DUP have so far refused to support Mrs May's proposed deal with the European Union because they believe it could impose different Brexit terms for Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.

Ms James has already threatened to resign from the government if Britain leaves the EU without a deal.

She also upset Dudley Conservatives by rejecting government instructions to vote against a motion ruling out leaving without a deal.

Her latest intervention has already attracted criticism on social media.

Teresa Pople said: "There is no such thing as a hard brexiteer they just support Brexit. There is no such thing as a soft brexit what you mean is remaining.

Scott Tulloch said: "Are Conservative MPs really that disconnected with their electorate? Tories are going to get wiped out at the next GE if you usher in a soft Brexit or a second referendum."