Boris Johnson has declared he would 'rather be dead in a ditch' than ask the EU for a Brexit delay, as he faces mounting political and legal challenges. The Prime Minister's comments came after MPs approved a bill to block a no-deal exit on 31 October, forcing him to seek an extension if no agreement is reached.
Johnson's brother Jo resigned as an MP and minister, citing a conflict between 'family loyalty and the national interest'. The PM called him a 'fantastic guy' but acknowledged their disagreement over Brexit. Meanwhile, nearly 200,000 people applied to register to vote in 72 hours, over half under 35, as an early election looms.
The government will give MPs another chance to vote for an election on Monday, after Wednesday's motion was rejected. The Lords are expected to pass the anti-no-deal bill, which would compel Johnson to request a delay. The PM has also faced legal action over his decision to prorogue Parliament for five weeks, with a High Court ruling expected on Friday.
Former Prime Minister Sir John Major backed the legal challenge by businesswoman Gina Miller, who argues the suspension is an 'unlawful abuse of power'. Major also urged Johnson to fire top adviser Dominic Cummings, warning that 'over-mighty advisors' always end badly. Labour MP Yvette Cooper accused Johnson of an 'abuse of power' for using police officers as a backdrop in a political stunt.
