So how 'could' this all turn out?
We convert the carrier as planned and MoD procures a limited number of F/A-18E/F (2 squadrons of 8-10 jets) to ensure the Carrier Strike requirement is met in the shorter term and doesn't rely on the F-35 timeline. This also makes good use of the US-based F/A-18 training currently going on between USN and RN. Easy solution.
RAF continues with an F-35 buy however it now decides on F-35A as a compromise between range, internal bay size (for Meteor) and performance. F-35A replaces Tornado GR4 which leaves service later this decade and the MFFO desire to have Typhoon and JCA is met as well.
But there's no money for any of the above to really happen surely