Allies of Suella Braverman fear she is the victim of a smear campaign amid an increasingly acrimonious battle over her efforts to crack down on net migration.

The Home Secretary has been accused of asking civil servants to help organise a private driving awareness course as she sought to avoid incurring points on her licence after being caught speeding.

She is expected to face questions in the House of Commons about the matter on Monday.

It is understood the Prime Minister will consult Sir Laurie Magnus, his ethics adviser, as Labour claims Mrs Braverman may have breached the Ministerial Code.

On Sunday, Rishi Sunak refused to back the Home Secretary when asked for his opinion at a press conference in Hiroshima, Japan, during the G7 leaders’ summit, although Downing Street later insisted that he had full confidence in her.