SOUTH West Euro MP Julie Girling has been expelled from the Conservative party.

She described a letter from Brandon Lewis sacking her as "an extreme and disproportionate measure" demonstrating "an increasing level of intolerance" in the Tories, particularly over Brexit.

She said: "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."