Boris Johnson's team insist PM will not make deal with Farage, saying Brexit Party leader and his allies 'should never be allowed anywhere near government'

No10 fight to dispel rumours that Brexit Party and Tories could reach agreement ahead of election

Boris Johnson's team has sought to dispel rumours that the prime minister could forge an electoral pact with Nigel Farage, with a senior Conservative saying the Ukip leader and his allies are "should never be allowed anywhere near government".

No10 insisted that the prime minister would not be striking any deal ahead of a general election expected to take place later this year.

It follows reports that the Tories and the Brexit Party could agree a pact in response to the pro-EU parties forming a so-called "Remain alliance".

Mr Farage has said his party will not field candidates against the Tories if Mr Johnson promises to deliver a no-deal Brexit.

But a No10 spokesperson said: "The PM will not be doing a deal with Nigel Farage."

And a senior Conservative source launched a stinging attack on Mr Farage and his close ally, former Ukip and Leave.EU funder Arron Banks.

They said: "Neither Nigel Farage nor Arron Banks are fit and proper persons and they should never be allowed anywhere near government."

On Wednesday, the Brexit Party took out a full-page advert on the front of the Daily Express to lay out an "election offer" to the Conservatives.

It read: "We are ready to back prime minister Johnson against the Remainer alliance in a general election. To seal our non-aggression pact, Boris must back a clean-break Brexit and forget about recycling Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement.

"Together we can rout the Remainers and win a big majority in Parliament for Brexit and democracy. Does Boris have the courage?"

Some hardline Eurosceptic Tories have previously suggested that Mr Johnson should strike a deal with Mr Farage.

Earlier this year, Steve Baker, now chair of the European Research Group of pro-Brexit Conservatives, said earlier this year: "It is becoming obvious to all now that the Brexit Party standing against the Conservative Party would produce a massive own goal."