Jump directly to the content
Take cover

David Cameron under fire from Tory MPs accusing him of a ‘Get Boris’ campaign

Former mayor of London was mocked on live TV by his cabinet colleague in worst blue on blue attack yet

David Cameron

DAVID CAMERON was today accused by furious Tories of sanctioning an “appalling” personal attack on Boris Johnson by a pro-EU Minister.

Furious Brexit-backers demanded answers after Energy Secretary Amber Rudd mocked BoJo on live TV by saying he wasn’t “the man you want to drive you home” late at night.

David Cameron
3
David Cameron is taking a hammering from Tory MPs over claims of a 'Get Boris' campaignCredit: i-Images Picture Agency
Former Mayor of London Boris Johnson gestures during the "The ITV Referendum Debate" at the London Television Centre in Britain
3
Boris Johnson was savaged by his own side in the debate yesterdayCredit: Reuters

The slur came at the end of the nastiest EU Referendum TV debate of the campaign so far on Thursday. She was immediately called a “star” by David Cameron on Twitter.

But ‘Out’ campaigner Bernard Jenkin today wrote to the PM, saying he was “absolutely appalled” and warned the smears were “suicidal” for the Conservative party.

He told the Sun: “This was a sanctioned, personal vilification supported by the Prime Minister. I am absolutely appalled.

“There have been one or two silly things said by both sides in this campaign.

“But it’s absolutely suicidal for the party to behave like this, for the leader of our party to behave like this. It is not what most Conservatives are.

“I think the Remain campaign is trying to discredit the people instead of dealing with the arguments.”

Tory MP Nigel Evans said: “We were all told blue on blue is a no go, but we saw it on full display from Downing Street’s side last night.”

A No.10 spokesman today said it was “nonsense” to suggest David Cameron sanctioned the attack – adding: “Amber Rudd speaks for herself.”

But sources at the Remain campaign said it was fair to question Boris Johnson’s reputation and his motives for backing a Brexit.

Amber Rudd, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary Angela Eagle and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon each separately claimed last night he was only interested in moving into No10.

The Energy Secretary declined to comment today as bookies cut the odds of her becoming next Tory leader to 20-1 from 33-1.

Boris Johnson side-stepped the issue when challenged today. He said it was “important to focus on the issues”.

Douglas Carswell
3
Ukip MP Douglas Carswell pinned the blame on George Osborne for the attacks on Boris JohnsonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

But UKIP MP Douglas Carswell said the attack showed the “desperation” of the Remain campaign.

And he pinned the blame for the slur on George Osborne, BoJo’s likely opponent in the race to replace David Cameron.

He told the Sun: “Clearly George’s gang in Downing Street look as if they’re starting to panic.

“They are lashing out at Boris with carefully scripted attack lines.”

Brexit-backing Tory MP Jacob Rees Mogg said: “It’s highly indisciplined for a Secretary of State to make a lewd suggestion like that on national TV.

“It shows the strength of Boris that he came out of it incredibly well.”

Meanwhile, in a sign that financiers believe Brexit is more likely, the FTSE 100 yesterday saw its biggest one-day fall since the referendum campaign began with a 1.86 per cent drop.

With a poll giving Leave a ten point lead, the Pound also dropped

Topics