Boris Johnson refuses electoral pact with Brexit Party after plea from Farage

Brexit Party leader claims non-aggression pact would offer PM 100-seat majority

Boris Johnson has ruled out a forming an electoral pact with the Brexit Party after Nigel Farage claimed it could deliver the Tories a 100-seat majority.

Mr Farage renewed his offer of an olive branch to the prime minister in a snap election, but warned the deal could only occur if the UK leaves the EU without a deal in a “clean break” Brexit.

In an offer made at the start of Tory conference in Manchester, the Brexit Party leader said he could personally persuade Labour Brexiteers to “hold their nose” and vote Conservative, which he said would deliver a Tory majority of between 60 to 100 seats.

But asked if he would do a deal, Mr Johnson told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “No. There is good reason for that, that is that the Conservative Party is the oldest and greatest political party in the world.

“It is a big, broad church and we don’t do deals with other parties.”

In his response, the prime minister failed to mention that his party had entered into coalition government with the Liberal Democrats, and also signed a confidence and supply agreement with the DUP under Theresa May’s leadership.

Mr Farage confirmed he was planning to stand as an MP in an upcoming election – but refused to say where – as he declared his party would support the Tories if they pursue a no-deal Brexit.

The Brexiteer told Sky News’ Ridge on Sunday: “We’ve said that if Boris Johnson’s party goes for a clean break, then of course, we ought in those circumstances to have a non-aggression pact.

“And actually, if that did happen, Johnson would win a very big parliamentary majority. So the answer is yes, but only if the policy is right.

“Our concern, our deep, deep concern, is that he wants to revisit and reheat Mrs May’s deal, the new European Treaty, and that just would not be Brexit, in fact that that would be a surrender act.”

Mr Farage said he could personally help the Tories in Brexit-voting areas that traditionally back Labour, where voters are reluctant to back the Conservatives.

He said: “I estimate he would have a majority of 60 to 100 seats, [respected pollster] Prof John Curtice says it would certainly be 40 seats. So here is a way for Boris to get a big, workable majority and we can help with that, we are happy to help with that.

“But it’s got to be the right policy.”

The prime minister is facing pressure on a number of fronts as Tory activists descend on Manchester for the party’s annual conference.

He refused to say whether he had apologised to the Queen for dragging her into the row over the prorogation, after the Supreme Court ruled the move was unlawful.

Mr Johnson also denied any conflict of interest over the award of grants and access to his friend Jennifer Arcuri while he was mayor of London, as allegations of an affair threatened to overshadow the party’s gathering in Manchester.