Boris Johnson warned against a ‘chicken run’ to a safer seat

The former prime minister could swap constituencies now that his own might be in danger at next general election

Despite the threat of being subjected to a high-profile election night toppling, Boris Johnson has vowed to stand again in his precarious Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. Yet should the former prime minister have a change of heart and decide to head for a safe seat that he knows well, plans are being made by rival parties to make life difficult for him.

The tempting prospect of returning to Henley has emerged, after the sitting MP announced in the last few days that he would not be seeking re-election in the Oxfordshire constituency. John Howell has held the seat since 2008, inheriting it from Johnson when he left to become London mayor.