Michael Gove pledged to put a “full stop” to the controversial Brexit backstop as part of his bid to become the next British Prime Minister. The Environment Secretary claimed a change in the leadership of the United Kingdom would convince the European Union to agree to further talks to change the withdrawal agreement Brussels has adamantly refused to modify. Presenting his plan to deliver Britain out of the bloc on The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Mr Gove said: “Changing the Prime Minister changes everything – we can get a better deal.

“The European Union is clear, they don’t want a no-deal either. It is also the case the European Union know that it would be in everyone’s benefit to have a deal that can pass Parliament.

“I also know, from talking to people across Europe, they recognise change may be required in order to secure a good deal.

“I will work with those in Europe and also in our own Parliament to secure a deal that strengthens the United Kingdom, keeps our union strong and also enables us to enjoy the many benefits of Brexit.”

Earlier this week, reports suggested Mr Gove would seek a further extension to the withdrawal process but on Marr he appeared to dismiss the claims as he said he would ensure the UK quits the EU “at the earliest possible opportunity.”

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Mr Gove continued: “I would have a smart negotiating team led by myself and other politicians rather than officials, explaining to the European Union what needs to change to make sure we honour the referendum result.

“I wouldn’t delay until the end of next year but I think there’s a clear choice here. If we are on the cusp of a good deal, if we’re making progress – if we’re 95 percent of the way on October 31 – would it really make sense to junk that progress? To say, ‘tell you what, we’re leaving without a deal anyway?’

“I’m very worried that if any Prime Minister did that the House of Commons would say, ‘we’re on course for a deal, now you’re going for a no deal. We have no confidence in your Government.’

“That Government losing that vote of confidence would precipitate a general election and we could get Jeremy Corbyn in Downing Street by Christmas.”

Mr Gove’s warning follow pledges from fellow leadership candidates Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab and Esther McVey to ensure Britain is out of the EU by October 31.

Mr Johnson currently has the most publicly-declared backers, with 43, followed by Michael Gove (28), Jeremy Hunt (26), Dominic Raab (22), Sajid Javid (16) and Matt Hancock (12).

Staunch Brexiteer Mr Johnson remains the bookies’ favourite in the race, despite a YouGov poll showing 26 percent of the public thinking he would make a good Prime Minister, with 55 percent thinking he would be a bad Prime Minister, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Friends of Mr Johnson believe as the front runner he could be ganged up on in the scheduled TV debates.

But Dominic Raab, also a key contender, said: “This is a crossroads moment in our history.

“All of us standing to be Prime Minister should have our plans scrutinised.

“This is not a time for hiding away or ducking the tough questions.

“It is time to debate our plans. That is why all the major contenders to be our next Prime Minister should agree to televised leadership debates.”

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