General election: Johnson hopes for last-minute deal with Brexit Party's Farage news.sky.com

The prime minister was said to be willing to put up "paper candidates" in Labour marginals to give the Brexit Party an advantage.

Parties have until 4 pm to confirm their candidates for the general election, with the Tories desperate for an 11th-hour deal with Nigel Farage.

In the hours before the deadline, the Conservatives are expected to pile pressure on the Brexit Party leader not to field candidates in Labour-held marginal seats.