James Cleverly has vowed to be vigilant against intimidation and pressure on MPs after Sir Lindsay Hoyle argued his actions in the Gaza ceasefire vote were motivated by concern about security.

       The home secretary said he was “conscious that there has been increased pressure” on parliamentarians.

       He told Sky News: “I’ve not had any specific threats brought to me, but we will stay constantly vigilant.

       “But the point I would make is ultimately Members of Parliament and indeed elected officials through all layers of government have got to act without fear or favour.”

       Sir Lindsay broke with convention on Wednesday to allow a vote on Labour’s Gaza ceasefire amendment to an SNP motion calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and Israel. Almost 70 Conservative and SNP MPs signed a no-confidence motion in Sir Lindsay in the aftermath.

       However, James Cleverly firmly backed Sir Lindsay as he said: “I think the speaker has done a fantastic job.

       “He made a mistake. He’s apologised for the mistake.”

       Rishi Sunak meanwhile branded Sir Lindsay’s handling of the Gaza ceasefire vote “very concerning”, but said the Commons Speaker was “reflecting on what happened”.