Boris Johnson claims the Tories could face extinction and need to put Nigel Farage ‘back in his box’

Boris Johnson has claimed the Conservative Party faces “extinction” if Brexit isn't delivered by the 31 October deadline.

In a speech as part of his leadership campaign in Westminster, the former foreign secretary said the party needs to put Nigel Farage "back in his box".

During a hustings in front of Tory MPs, Johnson made his case against the Brexit Party leader alongside Sajid Javid, Rory Stewart and Andrea Leadsom.

Johnson said: “We are looking at a very difficult situation and we must get ready, eventually but not immediately, to beat Jeremy Corbyn and put Farage back in his box.”

"We are facing an existential crisis and will not be forgiven if we do not deliver Brexit on 31 October."

He added: "I believe I am best placed to lift this party, beat Jeremy Corbyn and excite people about conservatism and Conservative values.

We need to realise the depth of the problems we face - unless we get on and do this thing [Brexit], we will be punished for a very long time.

There is a very real choice between getting Brexit done and the potential extinction of this great party - but I believe I can take on Farage and win back the voters being won over by him.

Johnson's words have been met with scepticism.

Others are happy at the prospect of an extinct Tory party.

Johnson’s comments come after Donald Trump said that Nigel Farage should lead the government’s Brexit negotiations.

In an interview with The Sunday Times before his UK state visit, he said: "I like Nigel a lot. He has a lot to offer.”

He is a very smart person. They won’t bring him in. Think how well they would do if they did. They just haven’t figured that out yet.

More: There is a theory that the Queen was trying to mock Donald Trump with her tiara

More: Trump supporter ‘milkshaked’ in angry scenes at protest in central London