THE MP for Maldon was "not surprised" to see the government's Brexit deal thrown out.

John Whittingdale voted against the government's Brexit deal on Tuesday night, alongside more than 400 MPs.

Following the landslide defeat, Mr Whittingdale said: "I have to say the outcome was no surprise, there have been a very large number of my colleagues who said since the Chequers Proposal they cannot support this deal.

"Everybody who said that did not support the deal.

"For the government to lose its flagship policy by more than 200 votes is unprecedented.

"I was told it was the worst defeat in 100 years.

"It sends a very clear message that it is not going to get through parliament in its current form."

Mr Whittingdale spoke in the House of Commons last week addressing a number of issues he had with the deal.

The main issues included his discontent for the withdrawal and declaration agreements, explaining the withdrawal agreement continues to tie the government in with the European Union.

He added: "It was not until the vote that the message was so clear.

"It makes it absolutely plain this is not about just changing the language on the deal, it is about much more than that.

"I and my colleagues have tabled a very comprehensive proposal which I think we should now adopt.

"I including eight former cabinet members who I think do support the Conservative party would like to see the Prime Minister support it too."

Mr Whittingdale, despite previous criticisms of Theresa May also made clear before the Confidence Vote yesterday evening that he would support the government.

He added: "I am confident that every Conservative MP will vote for the government.

"I do not think there is anybody in the government who does think we would win the this vote.

"Had the deal been approved on Tuesday we may have seen the DUP withdraw their support from the government, which would have seen us lose our majority.

"With the government being defeated in a way that has helped us in this vote."