Why different Brexit tribes are playing the blame game as prospect of no-deal looms

Different factions are laying the groundwork to blame someone else if – and when – things fail to go to plan, writes Lizzy Buchan

Boris Johnson making his first Commons address as prime minister last month (EPA)

One of Boris Johnson‘s first acts as prime minister was to instal large countdown clocks in Downing Street and Conservative headquarters, to remind himself and others of the fast-approaching Brexit deadline.

With less than 70 days to go until 31 October, Downing Street is fixated on delivering Brexit, while pro-EU factions are working tirelessly to thwart the looming possibility of a no-deal departure.

But behind the scenes, each side is laying the groundwork to blame someone else if (or when) things fail to go to plan.