Boris Johnson could send MPs home for up to two weeks in October under plans being considered by his campaign.

Insiders have confirmed they are looking at scheduling a Queen's speech to mark the start of a new parliamentary session in early November.

Parliament is usually prorogued for between one and two weeks ahead of a Queen's speech, meaning MPs would in effect be unavailable to stop a no-deal Brexit immediately before October 31.

Image: A Johnson campaign source told Sky News the idea was 'under consideration'

Mr Johnson's campaign confirmed it was one option being looked at but stressed no decision has yet been made.

Some Tory MPs are already planning to try and stop a no-deal divorce with the EU in the knowledge they may no longer be coming to Westminster for the final two weeks in October.


Guto Bebb, a Tory MP who wants to stop no-deal and hold a second referendum, confirmed he had heard the plan and was trying to work out what to do.

He told Sky News: "I read consideration is being given in the Boris camp for proroguing parliament without a deal.

"This is likely to be the case in the event a no-deal Brexiteer is in the whips' office."

A Johnson campaign source said: "A number of ideas are under consideration, including this one."

Image: Brexit is due to happen on 31 October

Some of those involved in transition planning in Whitehall have been told of the possible plan for Mr Johnson.

Critics say the idea could scupper any attempt for Mr Johnson to leave the EU with a deal, since parliament would not be sitting to pass the necessary legislation.

More MPs are considering following Mr Bebb by announcing they will stand down at the next election, freeing their hand to vote against the government in a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons.

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Mr Bebb warned that some of his colleagues have been complacent over attempts to stop a no-deal Brexit.

He told Sky News: "Individuals need to say when they are going to act. The Grand Old Duke of York strategy I'm sort of bored of.

"At some point they are going to need to make a stand and even then it could be too late."

Image: Jeremy Hunt has said he could ask to delay Brexit if a deal is within reach

It comes after Mr Johnson and his rival Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt ruled out accepting an idea floated to break the Brexit deadlock and get a deal through parliament.

They both refused to support putting a time limit on the Irish backstop - the insurance policy to prevent a hard border reforming on the island of Ireland.

Some Tory Brexiteers said they could support the policy to ensure the UK does not remain trapped in it indefinitely.

But Brussels has insisted its inclusion is non-negotiable, including the Irish finance minister who said on Tuesday: "We will not be changing the backstop."

Mr Johnson has pledged to leave the EU on 31 October "do or die", while Mr Hunt has signalled he could ask Brussels for another delay of a few weeks if getting a deal in that time frame is achievable.