Nigel Farage, speaking exclusively to the Telegraph as he laid down a challenge to the Conservative party, has warned, “Boris says he wants to put me back in my box. So if he wants a fight - hold my jacket.”

The Brexit Party leader puts the chance of a general election by autumn at 50/50, whether the next prime minister takes Britain out of the EU with a deal or without one, and is gearing up for the battle.

Mr Farage revealed he had already met major Conservative party donors, who would flock to his party “in droves” ahead of an election sparked by Britain remaining in the EU beyond the October 31 Brexit deadline.

“At the moment all we hear from the Conservatives is aggression. Arrogance and aggression. As if it is their divine right to these votes. It isn’t,” he said.

Mr Farage dismissed Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt, the two Tory leadership contenders to replace Theresa May as prime minister, and any talk of an alliance with the Conservatives to head off the threat of a Jeremy Corbyn government.