Boris Johnson trounced his Tory leadership rival in the first count of the party contest – securing 114 votes. This was significantly more than his nearest rival Jeremy Hunt, who came second with 43, and has put him closer to the premiership. Brussels is already preparing for Mr Johnson as Prime Minister, according to a leading French journalist.

Agnes Poirier, from Marianne, told the BBC the European Union were “bewildered” by the prospect.

BBC anchor Carrie Gracie asked: “How are they responding in Brussels? Do they think ‘bring it on’ or are they brooding and muttering?”

Ms Poirier responded: “I think both. Generally, they are bewildered in Brussels.

“This national exercise is self-harming is bewildering to watch to the rest of us in Europe.

They are bewildered in Brussels

Agnes Poirier

“They are preparing for Boris Johnson. He has this deadly combination of narcissism and laziness and you don’t get anything negotiated with 27 other EU member-states with that quality.”

She also ridiculed the prospect of any future Prime Minister trying to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement.

Ms Poirier confirmed that her EU sources were adamant that “this would not happen”.

According to reporters in The Times and the Daily Mail, senior figures in Brussels believe that whoever wins the Conservative leadership race will agree to an extension to the UK’s departure from the EU.

The current extension deadline ends on October 31st, a date that Boris Johnson declared as the end of the process.

However, the EU suspects the risk of a no confidence vote by MPs means Mr Johnson will not force through a no-deal exit if efforts to renegotiate Theresa May’s Brexit deal fail.

Timetabling issues mean that formal negotiations will not reopen until October, leaving just a few weeks for Theresa May’s replacement to draw up a new deal or seek to push back the deadline.

A senior EU official told The Times: “Johnson will want to last more than ten days in power so will need to try getting it over the line. He, or whoever it is, will not be able to hide the need for an extension.”

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