More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Now it all comes down to numbers. Having negotiated a deal which was seemingly unlikely at one point, Boris Johnson has arguably an even more challenging job on his hands - mustering enough support from not just his own MPs but others to - as he has repeatedly said - get the deal done.
There are so many permutations about how MPs will vote that as with anything to do with Brexit any number of outcomes are possible.
Getting the deal over the line in the historic vote is by no means a sure thing. There is still plenty of arm twisting and horse trading behind the scenes, as there has been all through the process.
What pleases one faction alienates another. The Prime Minister is balanced on a political highwire and one mis-step could send him toppling over.
Kent Conservative MPs can all be relied on to fall into line with varying degrees of support but it is not 16 votes that matter to the government but 650.
Whether the deal passes or doesn't, however, this is not by any stretch the end of the saga. A defeat may hasten a general election, and a win might too.
Giving his backing to Mr Johnson's new deal, Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson said: "I'm more than happy to support the new Withdrawal Agreement because it gives the UK a very good deal.
"I'm enthusiastic for this new deal. People are fed up with Brexit, we've got to leave and we're going to leave now, hopefully on October 31.
"The vote on Saturday is going to be tight but I'm actually optimistic."
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: “On the face of it, it is a significant improvement on Theresa May’s deal, which was fundamentally flawed. I will be considering all of the legal texts and documents carefully prior to the vote on Saturday.”
Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant was also enthusiastic, saying: "I am delighted the Prime Minister’s perseverance has led to the securing of a new deal which will allow us to get Brexit done by October 31 and take back control of our trade, borders, laws and money.
"The deeply problematic ‘Backstop’ has been abolished, whilst ensuring that the peace process in Northern Ireland is protected.
"This deal also charts a path towards a free trade agreement with our European neighbours, which is something I greatly welcome.
"I will therefore be wholeheartedly supporting this new deal and would encourage my colleagues across the House of Commons to do the same so we can get Brexit over the line."
Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon said he will be voting for the deal, as will Chatham and Aylesford's Tracey Crouch.
She said: "It feels like we are finally on the cusp of delivering the result of the referendum.
"We have been hampered in our efforts to do so for far too long by those who wished to disregard the votes of those in Chatham and Aylesford and across the country but now I look forward to supporting Boris's deal on Saturday to finally get this done.
"The clear change between the previous withdrawal agreement and Boris's deal is the removal of the controversial backstop in Northern Ireland.
"Closer to home, by voting for the deal the transition period will allow for the continued free flow of goods between the UK and the continent, ensuring Kent’s roads keep moving, while travel to the EU on a short-term basis will be visa free.
"It feels like we are nearly there, finally, and I hope that the deal will be passed so we can all just move on and start focussing on other important issues such as those outlined in the Queen's Speech."
Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst, said: “I will be voting to support Boris’s deal – the majority of people in my constituency voted to leave and they want us to end the uncertainty by getting Brexit done.
"By supporting this deal, the government can then move on to deliver on their policies to invest even more in our NHS, tackle violent crime and help with the cost of living. I would now encourage all MPs to support this deal so we can all move on.”
Helen Whately, who represents Faversham and Mid Kent described it as "a great new deal".
She added: "Crucially, the deal no longer includes the backstop, which was so unpopular and the biggest barrier to it passing in Parliament. Something many people said was impossible.
"The deal does what people voted for – taking the UK out of the EU and its institutions like the Customs Union and oversight of the European Court.
"Now we need all MPs to come together, respect the result of the referendum – which all but a handful of MPs supported – and back this deal.
"Then we can leave on October 31, without disruption or rancour – and get on with doing all the other things people care about.”
Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins has also suggested on social media he would support the deal.
Speaking in The Commons today (Saturday, October 19) Gillingham and Rainham Rehman Chishti congratulated Boris Johnson on the deal.
The Commons will convene at 9.30 this morning, with voting expected to take place later this afternoon.
