Ultimately, he says he wants the UK to remain in the bloc, but hopes voting to leave will shock EU leaders into giving Britain a better deal.
According to sources who spoke to The Sunday Times, he told friends he wants a two-stage referendum, where the public initially votes in favour of an exit, and then votes to stay in once a better deal is offered.
“We need to be bold. You have to show them that you are serious,” he told them.