Senior MP joins Tory revolt over confidence motions

Regional MP Mr Davis said that the plan – contained in the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition agreement – could lead to a "crippled" government hanging on in office, unable to pass legislation or deliver a Budget.

He warned that his concerns were shared by a "very large number" of Conservative MPs, who could be prepared to try to vote down the measure when it comes to before the Commons.

Under the terms of the coalition deal hammered out between the two parties, a binding resolution will be introduced requiring a 55 per cent majority of MPs if Parliament is to be dissolved before the end of its five-year term.

It was included to provide assurance that neither partner could cut and run to force an early election at a time that suited them.

However, the proposal has been condemned by Labour and by a growing number of Conservative MPs who have warned that it would undermine the primacy of Parliament.

Mr Davis, who is the most high-profile Tory to speak out against the plan, said that it was a "terrible formula for government". He drew a comparison to changes to the banking system introduced by Labour when it was elected in 1997.

"I think it is a very serious mistake. It could end up with a sort of crippled government," said the MP for Haltemprice and Howden.

"Thirteen years ago, a new government swept to power and they changed the banking regulations, 10 years later you had a load of crippled banks.

"Here you could have something – the Government comes to power, this helps them come to power, and yet in 10 years' time you end up with a crippled government. It is very, very serious."

His intervention will send a signal that the Government could face a serious revolt when the measure is introduced in the House – providing a focal point for Tory MPs unhappy with the coalition deal.

Mr Davis would not be drawn on the number of potential rebels but he warned that the numbers were significant.

"A very large number are worried. How many end up voting it down, I don't know. But a very large number are worried," he said.