Michael Gove has told Cabinet ministers he is prepared to delay Brexit until late 2020 rather than leave without a deal on October 31, The Telegraph has learned.

The Environment Secretary has told colleagues that a no-deal Brexit in October risks triggering a General Election that will put Jeremy Corbyn in Downing Street.

His position puts him directly at odds with other Brexiteer leadership candidates including Boris Johnson, the former foreign secretary, who have committed to leaving on time with or without a deal.

It comes as ministers are braced for Donald Trump, the US President, to say during his State Visit this week that Britain must be prepared to walk away from the EU without a deal.

The US President is expected to hold a one-on-one meeting with Mr Johnson after saying he would make an “excellent” Conservative leader.

He is also expected to meet Nigel Farage, the head of the Brexit Party.