Boris Johnson to campaign for Brexit

The unofficial confirmation came just hours after Prime Minister David Cameron used an interview with the BBC to urge Mr Johnson not to join the campaign for a British exit.

The British prime minister, who wants to stay in the European Union, secured a deal late on Friday to reset Britain’s ties with the 28-nation bloc after marathon talks in Brussels.

Campaigners who want Britain to leave the bloc say an exit is the only way to restore the country’s control over its laws, many of which are shaped by Brussels.

In what has been cast as Britain’s biggest strategic decision in at least a generation, voters will be asked on June 23: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”

Speculation around Mr Johnson’s decision emerged earlier on Sunday when BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg tweeted: “Boris will campaign to leave the EU”.

Given his popularity, Johnson’s support for either side may prove key to the performance of sterling during the campaign, according Morgan Stanley.

Mr Cameron said it would be a “wrong step” for the London mayor to link up with Ukip leader Nigel Farage and Respect’s George Galloway in the “out” camp.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “The Prime Minister has total support from the whole cabinet for the way he has conducted the renegotiations”.

A poll of 1,004 people for the Mail on Sunday suggests the In camp has a 15-point lead over the Out camp. An Ipsos Mori poll on February 17 found he’s second to only Cameron when it comes to influencing whether voters choose to stay or go.

Until now, Mr Johnson’s stance on the European Union has been heavily speculated about.

As one of Britain’s most popular politicians, Boris could shift the current balance of the referendum campaign.

Progress on drawing up the plans has been discussed between Cameron and Johnson although it is not know whether they will be sufficiently robust to prevent the mayor backing Brexit.

Cameron also said a vote to remain was the only “responsible” course for those who wanted to keep Britain safe. If he jumped the wrong way and was wrong-footed by a referendum decision his political chances of one day succeeding Cameron might be doomed.

Zac Goldsmith, who is hoping to become Mr Johnson’s successor as London mayor in May, has also said he will vote to leave.

He said: “The cabinet agreed that the government’s position will be to recommend that Britain remains in a reformed European Union.”Individual cabinet ministers will have the freedom to campaign in a personal capacity”, he added”.