LONG-serving Tory politician Julie Girling MEP has been expelled from the party over a vote on Brexit.

Remainer Ms Girling, who represents the South West in the European Parliament, voted with that body to postpone the next phase of Brexit talks.

The resolution claimed that "insufficient progress" had been made on issues including "citizen's rights" and "Ireland". Tory MEP for the South East Richard Ashworth also backed the resolution and has been ejected from the party.

"I believe that this is an extreme and disproportionate measure which illustrates an increasing level of intolerance within the party, particularly on the issue of Brexit," said Ms Girling.

"It is no secret that I disagree with the PM on her strategy, as do many others, but I am being treated very differently from others in the party, especially those with a much higher public profile.

"These are the tactics of a bully but I refuse to play the role of victim. I intend to direct my political energies into the 'people's vote' campaign and ensure that the final say on any deal is put to test at the ballot box."