Boris Johnson - who sources say regards this as the first day of an election campaign - will argue the Labour leader is denying people their say on the progress of Brexit.

On Wednesday, MPs blocked Mr Johnson's plan for an early election.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Labour wanted an election but its priority was stopping a no-deal Brexit.

Opposition parties are in talks about how to respond to the prime minister's call for a snap election on 15 October, amid concern over whether a poll should be delayed until after an extension has been agreed to prevent a no-deal Brexit on 31 October.

"We're snookered," a member of the Cabinet whispered as they stopped for a brief word, rushing past during this most frantic 48 hours.

And it seems they may well be right. On paper, the prime minister is dead set on securing the election he claims not to want.

The opposition parties claim that they are desperate to have a chance to turf the Tories out of office.

For two years, week after week, Jeremy Corbyn has said he wants an election to bring an end to years of Tory rule.

And Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP, yesterday said an election must be called before Parliament is suspended next week.