The Tory civil war over the EU referendum escalated after friends of David Cameron accused Boris Johnson and Michael Gove of leading a "mendacious" campaign and "corroding" trust in politics.

The Prime Minister's allies claimed his "project fear" warnings that Brexit would bring economic disaster were proving to be a "reality" as the bitter feuding from the referendum campaign reached new heights.

Mr Johnson is this week expected to declare as a candidate for the Conservative leadership contest and emphasise his values as a liberal Tory and electoral success in two Mayoral campaigns and the EU referendum.