The government faces another headache with its Levelling Up Bill as Tory MPs vow to fight a compromise over wind farms.
An estimated 37 Conservative MPs have backed an amendment, organised by former levelling up secretary Simon Clarke, calling for the de facto ban on onshore wind farms to be scrapped. Labour is also supporting the amendment, meaning that the government would lose its majority if the issue were put to a vote.
But now a rival group of Conservative MPs has said it will fight any compromise attempted by the prime minister.
Sir John Hayes, who is mounting the counteroffensive against scrapping the ban, said he had gathered 19 signatures since yesterday afternoon and expected to match or exceed those calling for a relaxation.
Former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has called for rebellious MPs to think of the party first.
A separate rebellion aiming to abolish housing targets has forced a delay to the bill. Ministers had previously said that it would return to the house before the end of the year, but that now seems unlikely.
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