No-deal Brexit looms as race for new British PM wraps up

The battle to be Britain's next prime minister enters its final straight on Wednesday with both candidates hardening their positions on Brexit, putting the future government on a collision course with Brussels.

Ex-London Mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite to replace Theresa May, and foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, are now both referring to Britain's departure with no overall deal in place as a realistic prospect.

The business community and many lawmakers fear dire economic consequences from a no-deal Brexit which would lead to immediate trade tariffs for certain sectors including the automotive industry.

Johnson and Hunt are taking part in a final question-and-answer session later on Wednesday before the result of the vote by Conservative Party members is announced on July 23 and the new prime minister is installed on July 24.

Britain has twice delayed its scheduled departure from the European Union after 46 years of membership and May's failure to get parliament to vote for her deal with Brussels ultimately forced her to resign.

The two candidates have vowed to scrap a "backstop" provision in the draft deal that was insisted on by Brussels to keep the Irish border open.

Their latest attacks on the measure during a debate on Monday prompting a plunge in the value of the British pound.

The currency fell again Wednesday to its lowest level against the US dollar in over two years.

"The tougher stance from both Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt in terms of their rhetoric on Brexit is clearly weighing on the pound," said market analyst Neil Wilson.

"Make no mistake, this decline in the pound is down to traders pricing in a higher chance of a no-deal exit."
She also broached a possible further delay to Britain's departure, saying: "I stand ready for a further extension of the withdrawal date, should more time be required for a good reason."