Boris Johnson blasts Theresa May’s Brexit plan as ‘deranged’ and ‘proposterous’ in fierce attack on Prime Minister ahead of Tory conference

BORIS Johnson has blasted Theresa May's Brexit strategy as "deranged" and "preposterous" as he threw a political hand grenade ahead of the Tory party conference.

The former foreign secretary's fiery comments came as the Prime Minister set out plans aimed at bolstering her position amid a breakdown in Brexit talks with the EU.

She laid out her plans to crack down on foreigners buying homes and proposals for a nationwide festival in 2022 - the year of the next scheduled general election.

In comments which will fuel rumours of his own leadership ambitions, Mr Johnson attacked the Prime Minister's approach to Brexit talks.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, he said: "Unlike the Prime Minister, I campaigned for Brexit."

Mr Johnson also branded Mrs May's call for a facilitated customs arrangement - part of the Chequers plan to break the deadlock in Brexit talks - "entirely preposterous".

He told the newspaper: "Unlike the Prime Minister, I fought for this, I believe in it, I think it's the right thing for our country and I think that what is happening now is, alas, not what people were promised in 2016."

Setting out an alternative policy platform as the Conservative Party conference began in Birmingham, the former cabinet minister said: "I think we need to make the case for markets.

"I don't think we should caper insincerely on socialist territory. You can't beat (Jeremy) Corbyn by becoming Corbyn."

Mr Johnson added that the UK should build a bridge to Ireland and put the HS2 rail line on hold to focus on a high-speed link in the north of England.

Mrs May used her own interview with The Sun to set out her plans.

Ahead of this week's conference, the party was also hit by an embarrassing security gaffe as a flaw in the official conference app allowed access to the contact details of Cabinet ministers and senior MPs.