The political expert argued MPs in Westminster who object to Boris Johnson’s Brexit strategy will still vote in favour of a potential deal the Prime Minister will attempt to put before the Commons. Mr Taylor told France 24 that Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan is not about leading the UK over the cliff, but rather about creating a hard deadline in order to focus people’s minds. He explained the Prime Minister is likely to re-present Theresa May’s deal with some tweaks.  

He explained: “I think Boris Johnson actually needs a deal and I think that there are stirrings of a deal around.

“I would not be at all surprised to see a last-minute deal in Brussels on or around very late on the 18th of October.

“I don’t think you could do a Brussels fudge but I think you can put as the British say ‘lipstick on the pig’.

“Essentially dress up Mrs May’s deal, which never got through the House of Commons, and say that you’ve made it totally different and you’ve now negotiated a far better deal.”

I don’t think you could do a Brussels fudge but I think you can put as the British say ‘lipstick on the pig’

Paul Taylor

He added: “I think there are a lot of desperate people in Westminster who don’t want to take responsibility for a no deal Brexit.”

President Jean-Claude Juncker told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Friday he had been sent documents by Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlining ideas for a new deal.

However, documents obtained by Sky suggested Mr Johnson’s ideas failed to offer “legally operational solutions” to the backstop issue and “fall short of satisfying all the objectives”. 

The Financial Times’s Sebastian Payne cited a “British Government source” as saying: “The ideas that we’ve put forward to avoid a hard border are serious and workable.

“As for the Commission, two months ago they said we couldn’t reopen the withdrawal agreement and there was absolutely no alternative to the backstop.

“Now we’re having detailed discussions.

“Leaks from Brussels on Twitter are par for the course. You can set your watch by them.

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“What we’re focused on is actually getting a deal in the room. We just they’ll do the same.”

The FT has also claimed Mr Johnson has told colleagues he is doubtful about reaching a full “legally operable” deal covering the border at the EU summit scheduled for October 17 and 18, meaning some details may have to be added later.

Mr Johnson has insisted he is serious about getting a Brexit deal wrapped up by October 31, the date he has pledged to take Britain out of the EU.

Britain’s Brexit negotiator Stephen Barclay on Friday expressed optimism on reaching a Brexit deal with the European Union after he met the EU top negotiator Michel Barnier.

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