The Sandwich MP says he will vote to quit the EU regardless of any deal that the Prime Minister negotiates with the UK’s partners.

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay (Con) is one of six newly-elected MPs who have nailed their colours to the mast as speculation grows that a referendum on the UK’s membership could take place this year.

Mr Mackinlay, who has never concealed he is on the Euro-sceptic wing of the Conservative party, denied he was undermining the PM’s efforts to broker a deal that would allow the country to stay in.

He also called on his Kent colleagues to declare their hand sooner rather than later.

The MP said he had declared his support for coming out of the EU now because it was becoming clear that despite David Cameron’s efforts, any deal would fall short of what was needed.

He also said the issue of staying in or leaving was a matter of conscience for MPs.

“I do not think there is any support for change [among EU countries]. The four key issues he was asking for do not measure up in a way that reflects the fundamental changes needed. I was hoping that he would be able to get something that I could be comfortable with.”

He said too little progress had been made on key issues such as immigration and benefits.

“All that is on the tables is tinkering around the edges.”

Asked whether his newly-elected parliamentary colleagues in Kent should state their position on EU membership, he said: “I think they should.”

Deal and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke is remaining tight-lipped on which way he will vote.

He said: “I have always been highly sceptical of the European project. However I think it’s right everyone gets to decide in a referendum. I wait and see what the result of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation is before making any decision.”

Although Mr Mackinlay’s declaration of intent is not in some ways a surprise, he is not likely to be the only Kent MP to vote against staying in.