UK Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood is reportedly threatening to resign if plans to impose deep cuts to army ranks are imposed.

Ex-soldier Mr Ellwood – who was hailed as a hero for trying to save the life of PC Keith Palmer in the Westminster terror attack – is understood to have expressed “deep discomfort” at cost-saving plans that would cut the army’s full-time strength to 70,000, a loss of 12,000 soldiers.

Whitehall sources quoted by The Times said the Ministry of Defence is “beginning to try and push back” against proposals, which reportedly shocked the newly appointed Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said no decisions had been made and dismissed suggestions of options being considered as “speculation”.

Former chief whip Mr Williamson, who took on the role after Sir Michael Fallon’s resignation, has previously been warned that attempts to bring in cuts to the armed forces would prompt a significant Tory revolt.

However, speculation about defence cuts has mounted since the launch of a review led by Theresa May’s national security adviser Mark Sedwill.