TORY MPs are in “open rebellion” over the government’s failure to find more funding for the armed forces, Labour pointed out yesterday.

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith said Tory backbenchers were up in arms following reports at the weekend that Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood could resign over the issue.

Conservative MP James Gray has warned of a “very substantial rebellion” in the Tory ranks.

New Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson sidestepped questions after he was accused of failing to formally ask Chancellor Philip Hammond for more defence money before last week’s Budget.

During defence questions, Ms Griffith sought to make political capital out of the row, claiming that it was not possible to “do security on the cheap” and that it was “surreal” to hear suggestions that Mr Williamson had not pushed for a funding increase.

Mr Williamson told MPs that he was yet to have a formal meeting with the Chancellor.

He said: “What I want to do is to make sure that we have the arguments ready, understand the threats that this country faces and make sure that we deliver for our armed forces.

“That is what the focus is going to be. I have many conversations with the Chancellor and I’m looking forward to many, many more going forward.”

When asked about the idea of taking Trident renewal out of the defence budget, he said it was vital to look at all options.

Speaking in the Commons, Ms Griffith said: “With his own backbenchers in open rebellion and one of his ministers threatening to quit over cuts, just how bad do things have to get before the Secretary of State does his job, stands up for defence and tells the Prime Minister and Chancellor that enough is enough?”