A Kent MP says he is prepared to vote against his own government over a plan to fix the exact date and time for the UK's departure from the EU.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat was identified by the Daily Telegraph as one of 15 potential rebels who might be prepared to side with Labour to kill off a plan by Theresa May to set a date in law for Brexit.

He was featured on the front page of the paper alongside other MPs, including Ken Clarke and Anna Soubry.

Mr Tugendhat said that he was not against Brexit and would continue to back the government over wihdrawal.

But in a statement, he said:

"I am firmly of the opinion that our national interest is best served by keeping the maximum negotiating flexibility so that we can exploit every opening to see our economy go from strength to strength, here in Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling, and the country as a whole."

“That’s why I am concerned that fixing a precise time for our departure will give the EU control over the timetable and allow them to restrict our freedom of manoeuvre."

"After more than four decades the priority for our nation must be to leave in good order with the laws of the UK ready for the new chapter in our island’s history. It is simply not possible to determine the exact date and time 18 months out. Depending on how the talks go we may wish to leave a few weeks earlier or later than the deadline set in Parliament. This amendment would restrict our ability to do so."

Mr Tugendhat was a ‘remainer’ in the EU referendum and backed Article 50 that triggered the process by which the UK would leave the EU.

The MP is regarded as normally loyal to the government and was recently voted to chair the influential foreign affairs select committee. He is seen as a rising star in the party and has been tipped as a possible future leader.

He was elected in 2015, succeeding the veteran Sir John Stanley.

Among the critics of the Daily Telegraph's "mutineers" headline was Brexit Minister Steve Baker, who tweeted: "I regret any media attempts to divide our party.

"My Parliamentary colleagues have sincere suggestions to improve the Bill which we are working through and I respect them for that."