EU negotiator mocks Brexit Secretary David Davis over Conservatives' shock by-election defeat in Richmond

Guy Verhofstadt previously compared Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson to ‘rats’ fleeing a sinking ship

European Parliament negotiator Guy Verhofstadt (Getty)

The European Parliament’s lead negotiator in Brexit talks has mocked David Davis over the Conservative’s shock by-election defeat in Richmond.

Following weeks in which European politicians have demanded more detail of the UK’s position, Guy Verhofstadt said he would now finally have something to talk about with Britain’s lead negotiator and that he would ask Mr Davis to explain the defeat.

It came after he took the unusual step of commenting on a nation state’s internal politics to say that Europe was “proud” of the Liberal Democrat win in the south-west London seat.

Lib Dem candidate Sarah Olney said the result means opponents of Brexit can “override the referendum”.

Mr Verhofstadt said: “We have a lot of opportunities in 2017. It’s going to be the year of elections, elections, elections, in the four corners of the European Union. They started a few days ago in Britain in Richmond Park, and finally I have a subject to discuss with David Davis.

“Next time I see him, I’ll say, ‘Mr Davis, can you explain to me what happened in Richmond Park?’”

Earlier in the day he tweeted: “Congratulations @sarahjolney1 and @LibDems. Europe is watching & we are proud #IamEuropean.”

The former Belgian prime minister has a history of speaking his mind about British politics.

He described David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage as “rats fleeing a sinking ship” following their resignations after Britain voted to leave the EU.

Mr Goldsmith triggered the by-election after resigning from the Conservative Party following the announcement by Theresa May’s administration to build a third runway at Heathrow airport.

But while Ms Olney aligned herself with Mr Goldsmith on opposing Heathrow, she fought a fierce campaign on the Government’s plans for leaving the EU, promising to vote against triggering Article 50 in the Commons if elected. Over 70 per cent of constituents in Richmond voted to Remain.

The result saw Ms Olney poll 20,510 votes to Mr Goldsmith's 18,638, on a turnout of 41,367, or 53.6 per cent. The 21.75 per cent swing to the Lib Dems from Mr Goldsmith topped the 19.3 per cent swing they achieved from the Tories in the Witney by-election.

When all the votes were counted, tellers revealed she had snatched 49.7 per cent in a result she claimed had sent a “shockwave” through Downing Street.