Boris Johnson's plan for Britain to leave the EU with a new deal on 31 October has been rubbished as "practically impossible" by a senior minister.

The Conservative leadership front runner was accused by Justice Secretary David Gauke of giving no "clear explanation" of how he will secure a new withdrawal agreement with Brussels and get Britain out of the EU in under four months.

Mr Johnson has said he would ensure Brexit happens on time "do or die".

Meanwhile, rival candidate Jeremy Hunt has admitted "if we are close to getting a deal and it will take a few more weeks, then so be it".

Image: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt

The two are competing for the votes of 180,000 Conservative Party members, with the winner announced on 23 July.


Speaking to The House magazine, Mr Gauke warned Mr Johnson's plans for a new deal were unlikely to succeed.

He said: "I see it as being very hard to find a way in which we can deliver a deal that has been agreed and legislated upon by the 31 October. When I say very hard, I mean practically impossible."

The cabinet minister also warned that if Mr Johnson decides to go for a no-deal divorce, he would likely lose a battle with MPs.

"If I was to speculate on it, given that we have an activist speaker, given that there is a parliamentary majority against no deal, a way will be found," he said.

Image: A way 'will be found' by MPs to block no deal, David Gauke suggested

Mr Gauke added it would be "completely unacceptable" for Mr Johnson to circumvent parliament by suspending it until after Brexit automatically takes place on 31 October.

The former foreign secretary believes he can avert a hard border in Ireland under no deal by continuing tariff-free trade with the EU.

:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

But Brussels has refused this course of action.

"It is completely wrong," EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told Reuters last month.

The trading bloc has also insisted the divorce deal cannot be renegotiated.

Mr Gauke's opposition to a no-deal Brexit saw him fight a no-confidence vote from his local party, which was supported by the pro-Brexit Leave.EU.

The South West Hertfordshire MP survived when members voted him two-to-one against the motion last week.