A Conservative MP will oppose his leader and vote to leave the European Union (EU).

Peter Lilley, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, described the deal on the table as a token gesture and said "only if we leave can we regain control of our laws, our money and our borders".

His comments come after The Review approached MPs and asked how they will vote in the upcoming referendum on Europe.

St Albans MP Anne Main also indicated she would vote to leave.

Mr Lilley said: "Leaving the EU was not my initial position.

"Given my preference for gradualism, I was concerned whether it might involve disruption.

"But closer study convinces me that it can be done smoothly. There are plenty of precedents for countries leaving far closer unions than the EU – Ireland leaving the UK, Dominions like Australia, Canada and India acquiring independence.

"I respect David Cameron’s views and sincerity as I believe he does mine. Maybe he failed to convince me because I have heard too many assurances that European political integration has peaked or that Britain has erected barriers to it – only to see the tide flood in and the barriers washed away.

"Only if we leave can we regain control of our laws, our money and our borders."

On February 2, months of negotiations drew closer to a resolution when president of the European Council Donald Tusk issued a proposal for reformed terms of membership for the UK.

It came after the Prime Minister’s negotiating team spent months trying to convince other European leaders to accept significant changes to the rules on national sovereignty, red tape, border control and financial affairs.

The Government was elected on a promise to deliver a referendum on the country’s membership of a reformed EU by the end of 2017.

However, a public vote could come as early as this June.

MPs votes will only count for as much as each member of the public.