There is probably now just a week or so from end of Tory conference for Johnson to make breakthrough on Brexit deal or for talks to end. Why? Well government sources tell me EU Commission has been told by British negotiators in no uncertain terms that Johnson will not quit...
to avoid being forced by Benn Act to ask for Brexit delay. And Brussels was also told that if Johnson is still PM on 19 October, he will find a way to get round law and refuse to ask for a delay. So Barnier and Juncker have literally no time to decide if Johnson is bluffing...
and if there is scope for backstop compromise. Labour, SNP, LibDems and rest of opposition also face an imminent deadline to decide whether Johnson bluffing and whether now the only surefire way to avoid no-deal Brexit is to attempt to remove him with Vote of no confidence...
well before EU summit on 17 Oct. As you know, senior opposition MPs have told me they are geared up for a vote to oust Johnson. The titanic struggle over whether Johnson can or will deliver Brexit on 31 October and whether he can survive as PM looks set to reach its climax...
by end of next week.
PS former Tory adviser texts me “what is the betting a motion of no confidence is tabled on day of Johnson’s speech to Tory conference [Wednesday]?”
