Johnson apologises to Tories for failing ‘do-or-die’ promise

PM expresses ‘deep regret’ over missing October 31 deadline

Boris Johnson has apologised to the Tory members who elected him leader for failing on his “do-or-die” promise to implement Brexit by Halloween.

The prime minister said he feels “deep regret” over missing the former deadline, which he was compelled to extend to the end of January.

With the EU departure the overwhelming focal point of the election campaign, Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage ruled out making an eighth bid to become an MP in the December 12 vote.

Meanwhile, the main political parties clashed over policies on the climate crisis, the welfare state and the EU.

So adamant was the PM that he would meet the last Brexit deadline, he said he would rather be “dead in a ditch” than miss it. That date passed on Thursday.

In an interview with Sky’s Ridge on Sunday, he was told he needed to take responsibility and could not just blame other people.

“Well, I do. I do and I’m deeply, deeply disappointed,” the PM replied.

Pushed on whether he would apologise to Tory members who supported him, Mr Johnson replied: “Of course, of course.

“It’s a matter of... it’s a matter of deep regret.”

Mr Johnson also said he can see “no reason whatsoever” about why the UK should extend the Brexit transition period beyond December 2020, adding: “If you get the right Parliament anything’s possible.”

Whether the Brexit Party succeeds in getting any MPs elected or not, Tories fear the party could play a major role in splitting the Leave vote.

The Conservatives have rejected his offer of an electoral pact and yesterday Mr Farage continued with his threat to stand candidates in around 600 seats.

But he ruled out standing himself, telling the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “I’ve thought very hard about this.”

Picture: Getty Images. Mr Johnson was told he needed to take responsibility.