Boris Johnson to hold regular video chats with voters as election speculation grows

PM uses Facebook live to announce major policy to fast-track visas for top scientists

Boris Johnson is planning to start "People's PMQs" where he will answer questions from voters through social media live streams.

In a move that will further fuel speculation of a looming election, Downing Street confirmed the new prime minister will conduct regular Facebook Live Q&A sessions in the coming weeks.

Mr Johnson surprised journalists when he chose to announce plans to fast-track visas for top scientists through a Facebook Live, in a sign of the influence of his top aide Dominic Cummings, who masterminded Vote Leave's social media campaign.

The five-minute address to the nation from his study came ahead of the announcement through news outlets, indicating the importance his new administration places on social media.

The Conservatives have flooded Facebook with adverts since Mr Johnson's appointment as prime minister, in a bid to set out their Brexit message.

Since 1 August, the party has spent more than £12,000 on Facebook advertising with 760 adverts currently running live, according to the platform's ad library.

One popular advert reads: "MPs can’t just pick and choose which votes to respect. But some are ignoring 17.4 million leave votes.

"Add your name now – don’t let them get away with it."

Another says: "Politicians like Jeremy Corbyn are only respecting remain votes - and ignoring 17.4 million leave voters.

"Add your name now – don’t let him get away with it."

It comes amid mounting speculation Mr Johnson could call a general election after the 31 October Brexit deadline, if he is forced to go to the country by a no-confidence vote.

Downing Street aides suggested the snap poll could in the days after Halloween, meaning the UK could crash out of the EU without a deal during the election campaign.

Mr Cummings has reportedly told colleagues that Mr Johnson would not need to resign if he lost a confidence vote, most likely tabled by Labour when parliament returns from recess in September.