PAUL MALIK

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, lectern out in clear homage to his predecessor Theresa May, addressed the nation and said there was “no way” he would ask for an extension to the Brexit deadline. The problem is, he might have to.

For hours speculation on whether Mr Johnson was going to call another general election (which would be the third in four years) snowballed around Westminster and beyond, before he took to the steps of Number 10 and said: “I don’t want one.”

A cross-party Bill is expected to be put forward, signed by party members from across the opposition spectrum, which would in essence force the PM to go to Brussels to ask for another deadline extension.

What will be interesting is what the prime minister considers his least worst option.

Does he accept, if passed with the aid of Tory rebels, a Bill that forces him into a “humiliating” backtrack to the EU, complete with begging notice for an extension?

Or does he call the opposition’s bluff, forget what he said last night and announce a snap general election?

Given Mr Johnson’s rather lackadaisical approach to staying true to past promises, it seems likely he will call an election.

There is just no way someone of Mr Johnson’s temperament would be “forced” to play by the rules, a point on which his Leave campaign ally Michael Gove agrees – having already refused to rule out ignoring any law to stop no-deal.

The timing of an election is the most important element.

Those hoping to prevent no-deal would be foolish to grant one that took place after October 31. But it is highly likely Mr Johnson will call one for after that date.