Boris Johnson refuses to soften Brexit stance despite Dominic Cummings departure

The departure of Dominic Cummings from Downing Street is not a sign of Britain softening its position in Brexit talks, the Government has insisted.

Mr Johnson's chief aide, Mr Cummings will leave his role by the end of the year, after Downing Street became gripped by a bitter power struggle.

The controversial Vote Leave veteran told the BBC that “rumours of me threatening to resign are invented”, after suggestions he was preparing to quit alongside communications director Lee Cain.

But he said his “position hasn’t changed since my January blog” when he wrote that he hoped to make himself “largely redundant” by the end of 2020.

But some EU insiders had suggested that Mr Cummings was leaving ahead of a breakthrough in the Brexit talks - and his departure was a sign the UK stance was softfening.

EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said time is running out (AFP via Getty Images)

But a defiant Downing Street insisted that there was no change in the UK's position.

Asked about the rumours of a softening position, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Absolutely not that is simply false.

"The government position with regards to future trade agreements negotiations has not changed.

"We want to reach a deal but it has to be one that respects the sovereignty of the UK."

It came as No 10 confirmed that talks would continue in Brussels next week.

A week of negotiation in London is expected to end this afternoon - but without a conclusion.

But the European Union believes a deal must be concluded by mid-November in order for it to be ratified by the end of the year, when the current transition arrangements expire.

Downing Street acknowledged that “significant gaps” still remain between the two sides and “time is in short supply”.

Gaps remain between the teams on several key issues - including fishing and so called 'level playing field' provisions.

Mr Cummings will leave by Christmas (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Johnson's spokesman said that regardless of what happens in the talks, the UK would leave the transition arrangement at the end of the year.

He said: "The transition period will end on December 31, there is no doubt about that whatsoever.

"We would like to get a deal but it has to be one which respects the sovereignty of the UK.

"If we’re not able to reach a FTA we will leave on Australian style terms.”