Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused Boris Johnson’s government of a “woeful” response to flooding in northern England, claiming it would have been a “different story” if it had happened in Surrey.

It came as Labour revealed it had experienced a “sophisticated and large-scale cyber-attack” on its digital platforms. A leading cyber-security expert warned that all political parties would “receive attempts against their network on a daily basis”.

Nigel Farage faced calls not to field Brexit Party candidates in Labour marginals in the North and Midlands after he abandoned plans to contest the 317 seats held by the Tories at the last election.

Meanwhile two senior Conservatives admitted Mr Farage was right to say a no-deal Brexit is still an option in a little over a year’s time, even if the Tories win the general election and pass the Brexit deal.