Britain warned not to rely on Angela Merkel to break Brexit deadlock after German election

The FDP candidate Michael Theurer warned against raised expectations from the UK despite having publicly called for a more pragmatic approach to the negotiations.

Brexit Secretary David Davis had hoped talks would “accelerate” following this weekend’s German election but that is unlikely according to Mr Theurer.

A coalition government headed by and involving the FDP is thought to be likely after the September 24 poll.

The candidate, who is tipped to become Germany’s economy minister, said: “It was my initiative to call for a Brexit cabinet – that was my own idea because I had the feeling that Brexit was being under-estimated at the ministerial level in Berlin – but I don’t believe, actually, that the room to manoeuvre will be so big.”

Mr Theurer, who is expected to win his seat in the election, has previously reported that German firms are worried about Brexit.

However the politician, who is also known as “Mr Mittlestand” for his strong relationship with German industry, does not expect fears from the business world to translate into action from Mrs Merkel.

The statement is likely to hurt UK ministers who had been banking on a more positive attitude from Mrs Merkel after Germans go to the polls.

One senior minister told The Telegraph: “The FDP are likely to be in the coalition, and they will not allow Mrs Merkel to ignore German industry.”

The German chancellor recently imposed sanctions on Russia respite pressure from businesses.

Mr Theurer said while campaigning: “Our machinery and tool industry was badly affected by sanctions. Businesses complained, but they were told by the government that for security reasons it was necessary to accept [them].

“So German companies are used to accepting political decisions. They will just find new markets.”

A senior aide to the German leader also warned against optimism saying Brexit policy would be the “same old soup” after the vote.

Mrs Merkel’s aide told The Telegraph: “I am seriously worried that London is getting this wrong.

“As much as Brexit plays a role in UK, Merkel never talks about Brexit. The future of the EU is just so much more important to her.”

The FDP are currently sitting on eight to 10 per cent in opinion polls while Mrs Merkel’s Christian Democrats are currently enjoying 36 per cent of voters’ support.

Economist Christian Odendahl said: “On the margins, the FDP as a junior coalition partner could push Merkel in a slightly more pragmatic direction, but really it is only on the margins.”