Boris blimp flies over Parliament Square as anti-Brexit protesters gather for major march

'We will not allow Boris Johnson to float into No 10 on a favourable tailwind, or have the summer off, unopposed, after so much hot air on Brexit'

A “Boris blimp” flew over Parliament Square as protesters gathered for another major march with the aim of stopping Brexit.

The inflatable – modelled on a similar protest against Donald Trump – mocked the likely next prime minister with dishevelled hair, mismatched running gear and salmon-pink skin.

The caricature of Mr Johnson also featured a t-shirt emblazoned with a bus and the figure £350m, after his infamous false claim about the rewards for the NHS from leaving the EU.

The singer Billy Bragg and presenter Sandi Toksvig were due to join the ‘No to Boris, Yes to Europe’ procession through central London, organised by a group called March for Change.

A 9ft representation of Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, was also due to appear, courtesy of a stilt-walker holding puppet versions of Mr Johnson and his Tory leadership rival Jeremy Hunt.

Ms Toksvig said she believed “passionately” in the European project, adding: “Some of the enormous political issues we face today – the climate emergency, cybercrime, violence against women and girls – are truly global; we cannot fight them alone, and we cannot fight them outside of Europe.”

The co-founder of the Women’s Equality party said she was “also very worried about what a Boris Johnson premiership means for women in Britain”, with those electing him overwhelming male.

Tom Brufatto, the chairman of Britain for Europe, said: “We will not allow Boris Johnson to float into No 10 on a favourable tailwind, or have the summer off, unopposed, after so much hot air on Brexit, with so much at stake.”

And Naomi Smith, chief executive of the anti-Brexit Best for Britain group, said: “Brexit exposed some of the big problems successive governments have been neglecting for decades.

“Brexit isn’t the solution – and we will fight to stop it. But once we’ve got that obstacle out of the way, we all need to make sure things don’t go back to how they were.”

Those marching on Saturday afternoon sported EU flags and placards, with many featuring pictures of Mr Johnson and US President Donald Trump.

Carrying a sign with Mr Johnson's face superimposed on Mr Blobby, Richard Gibbon said he was "appalled" at the prospect of the former foreign secretary moving into No 10.

The 76-year-old said: "I hate what has been happening to this country over the last nine years.

"I think ordinary people have been targeted and after Brexit the poor will become poorer. I want my kind, accepting country back."

Labour MPs Clive Lewis and Kate Osamor were due to speak, alongside MEPs, trade unionists and other left-wing campaigners.

Mr Johnson, who has vowed a “do or die” Brexit on 31 October is expected to be declared the new Conservative leader on Tuesday and enter No 10 the following day.

Additional reporting by PA