Tory MPs fear that Mr Farage’s party could deny them victory in certain seats

Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party should abandon plans to target 600 constituencies at the general election and focus on about 20 mostly pro-Leave Labour seats, according to one of its senior MEPs.

John Longworth, who represents Yorkshire and the Humber, said that his party should be “sensible” and focus on securing the result that would best further the cause of Brexit. Getting pro-Leave MPs returned to Westminster was the most important thing, he said.

Signs of a split within the party over the wisdom of contesting lots of Tory seats will boost Boris Johnson’s electoral hopes.

John Longworth says focusing on a few seats would be good for Brexit SIMON DAWSON/BLOOMBERG

Although the Brexit Party is trailing the Conservatives in the polls, Tory MPs fear that Mr Farage’s group could win enough votes to deny them victory in certain seats. The