Three Kent MPs were among those who rebelled against the government and backed changes to the controversial Rwanda bill.

Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti, Gravesham MP Adam Holloway and South Thanet Craig Mackinlay were among 60 Tory rebels who did not back the legislation aimed at saving the Government’s flagship asylum policy.

MPs voted 529 to 68 to reject the amendment, which aimed to ensure UK and international law cannot be used to prevent or delay a person being removed to Rwanda.

The vote has led to some speculating that Rishi Sunak could face a leadership challenge.

MPs will continue to debate the legislation today, when there will be a vote on the progress of the bill – with the possibility of further dissent among backbenchers.

The Prime Minister has been on the back foot after the resignations of two Conservative deputy chairmen and a ministerial aide over the issue.

In a blow to the PM's authority, 60 Tory MPs last night backed rebel amendments which sought to toughen up the legislation by making it more difficult for would-be asylum seekers to have applications approved.

If the Prime Minister faces further rebellions today, it will be a significant blow to his personal authority.

The plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to have applications processed is a key element of a commitment to stop the numbers crossing the channel to reach the UK.

Analysis by political editor Paul Francis

It is becoming increasingly hard to find ways of describing the pressure on the Prime Minister over the Rwanda bill.

He may well manage to get the support of enough MPs to see the bill progress to The House of Lords where it will undoubtedly be heavily criticized.

The question for Conservative MPs is whether their Prime Minister is now damaged goods and lacks credibility and is therefore no longer an asset but a liability. The idea of replacing him seems extraordinary when a general election is expected in the autumn.

The number of rebels remains modest but that is not the point. Such open revolt among his own backbenchers is not a good look.

On the back of opinion polls suggesting that the party is heading for a huge defeat, it might seem crazy to replace him as leader.

But in this period of turbulence and turmoil, it could happen.