Staying in the European Union under its current terms would be disastrous for the UK Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling said today.
His comments are being seen as the first sign of a minister preparing a campaign to leave the EU ahead of the UK's referendum.
The Ashtead-based MP and leader of the House of Commons is trending UK-wide on Twitter today after a letter he wrote was published in The Telegraph.
In a scathing condemnation of the UK’s continued membership in the EU, the Leader of the House of Commons lamented the scope of European laws "telling us how many hours we could work, or how to manage our countryside".
The UK is gearing up for a referendum by the end of next year on whether or not to remain a member of the EU.
Prior to a referendum Prime Minister David Cameron aims to renegotiate the terms of the UK’s position within the EU, and hopes to secure a new deal for the UK in Brussels next month.
In particular, Mr Cameron aims to address the issues of economic governance, competitiveness, immigration and sovereignty.
Mr Grayling believes that the UK is at a "crucial crossroads" in its relationship with the EU, after a "crisis in the Eurozone and the migration challenge have led to calls for still more integration and a move towards much greater political union".
He wrote: "I am someone who believes that simply staying in the EU with our current terms of membership unchanged would be disastrous for Britain.
"That’s why I have always believed that it is imperative that his renegotiation takes place and delivers as much potential change as possible.
"It is in the interests of all Eurosceptics and of our country.
"I want Britain to choose between a changed relationship and leaving, and not between the current situation and leaving."
It is widely anticipated that Mr Grayling will campaign to leave the EU.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers and Culture Secretary John Whittingdale are also expected to vote for the UK to leave the EU.
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