BORIS Johnson claims ministers were misled about Brexit deals struck between British officials and the EU behind closed doors.

The former Foreign Secretary says he was told there was no agreement for “full alignment” of cross-border trade in Ireland.

But it is part of a fallback position backed by both sides last December in a bid to move talks on to the next stage.

A source close to Mr Johnson said: “Boris and other concerned ministers were given direct assurances by the PM’s chief of staff and director of communications that the December agreement categorically did not mean what is now claimed.

“The truth is that either Number 10 was conned by the EU or made false promises to Cabinet ministers.”

Mr Johnson has claimed Cabinet ministers were told by Downing Street Brexit mandarin Olly Robbins that plans for Britain to maintain “full alignment” with single market rules did not mean full harmonisation.

"There are a number of ways in which we can approach this.”

But they are now being told we must have the exact same rules on good and agrifood.

Downing Street insist they have been clear and open with ministers at all stages of the negotiation.