The political commentator said there are some in the European Union afraid the likes of Dominic Raab or Boris Johnson will be “a lot tougher” on the Brussels bloc if they were prime minister. Speaking to BBC’s Andrew Marr, Ms Tominey said: “I think that there is some fear in Brussels of both Raab and Johnson in the sense that they know that they are going to be a lot tougher.” Ms Tominey, associate editor at the Daily Telegraph, said the Tory leadership candidates with the “best chance” is someone that admits there is a need to amend the Brexit deal.

I think that there is some fear in Brussels of both Raab and Johnson

Camilla Tominey

She added: “I think it is going to take a very brave candidate to say we are tearing up completely.

“But that no deal on the table factor is important.”

The political expert also warned it is important to consider the Parliamentary arithmetic, adding: “Political decision making with regard to supporting deals or not isn’t just about the cold hard numbers. It’s also about leadership.

“A lot of MPs didn’t support the withdrawal agreement because they felt Theresa May had been duplicitous and lied to them.

“Therefore, if they are energised by a leader who they believe will take them beyond Brexit and actually beat Corbyn – that might incentivise a few more people to support, particularly if the deal can be tweaked.

“But this is the big question.”

Mr Raab today has promised to pile on the pressure in Brussels if he were Prime Minister in order to renegotiate a suitable Brexit deal between the EU and Britain.

The former Brexit Secretary insisted it is still achievable to change the Brexit deal but warned it will need some goodwill from the EU.

Also speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, Mr Raab said: “There is clearly a reasonable ask that we can make, one that had the approval of the House of Commons around the so-called Brady amendment, in particular, making sure we have got an exit from the backstop.

“And I think we need to go out and be absolutely resolute in a way we weren’t last time. I have got the experience, not only a conviction Brexiteer, as a lawyer, having worked six years in the Foreign Office, I am used to these negotiations and I have seen it first-hand.

“I think that it is achievable. But, of course, you are right. It will need some goodwill on the other side too.”

But Marr responded and pointed out the EU “don’t like you very much”.

The former Brexit Secretary chuckled and said: “That probably tells you I was doing my job in terms of pressing them hard and making sure that Britain’s interests were resolutely defended.”

Mr Raab insisted the EU will renegotiate, warning Britain was previously “not resolute enough” and took no deal off the table.

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