Boris Johnson summons political cabinet as election talk mounts

Boris Johnson has summoned political cabinet as talk of an election mounts.

The Prime Minister has warned he will push for a snap general election if he is forced to accept a lengthy delay to Britain's departure, potentially into the new year.

EU leaders are continuing to consider whether to grant a further extension to Brexit after the Prime Minister was forced to ask Brussels for a delay.

However there are signs of divisions among ministers and senior No 10 advisers over whether to press for a December poll.

Dominic Cummings, Mr Johnson's chief adviser, is reportedly leading calls to abandon attempts to get the Prime Minister's Brexit deal through Parliament and go for an election.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Chancellor and shadow chancellor, Said Javid and John McDonnell attend the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster on October 14, 2019 in London, England. The Queen's speech is expected to announce plans to end the free movement of EU citizens to the UK after Brexit, new laws on crime, health and the environment. (Photo by Jack Hill - WPA Pool / Getty Images) (WPA Pool)

But Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith is said to be among ministers arguing it is still possible to pass a bill ratifying the agreement, despite Tuesday's defeat for Mr Johnson's attempt to fast-track it through the Commons.

Tory chairman James Cleverly insisted Brexit could still happen on October 31, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The EU has not agreed an extension and therefore it is absolutely essential that we make sure that we are ready to leave."

There are fears among Conservatives that if there is an election before the UK has left the EU, it will play into the hands of Nigel Farage's Brexit Party.

Even if Mr Johnson does decide to press for an early election there is no guarantee that he will succeed.

Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act he would need a "super majority" of two-thirds of all MPs to call an election which would require Labour support.

Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour is ready to go to the country once it is sure Mr Johnson cannot "crash out" in a no-deal Brexit in the middle of a campaign.

Labour will only agree to a general election before Christmas "if necessary", Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has suggested.

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Mr McDonnell and a fellow shadow cabinet minister have both moved to dampen mounting speculation of a "Grinch" poll just days before winter break.

Some in No10 are agitating for Boris Johnson to force a vote on a snap election next week after his bid to rush through his Brexit deal was voted down.

That could mean polling day is as early as Thursday 5 December. Yet to do that he needs 434 MPs' backing - meaning he must have Labour support.