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Boris Johnson should give 'explanation' for home row | |
(32 minutes later) | |
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said it would be "easier" for Boris Johnson to "just give an explanation" about the row recorded at his home. | |
The MP said reports of the row between Mr Johnson and his partner should not be a "distraction" from policy discussion in the leadership race. | |
On Saturday, leadership frontrunner Johnson dodged questions on the issue. | |
Fellow Tory Liz Truss, who backs Mr Johnson for the leadership, said it was a "private matter". | Fellow Tory Liz Truss, who backs Mr Johnson for the leadership, said it was a "private matter". |
It comes after the neighbour who called police and recorded a loud row at the home Mr Johnson shares with Carrie Symonds in south London defended his actions. | |
Tom Penn told the paper he was worried about his neighbours' safety, adding: "I hope that anybody would have done the same thing." | |
The Guardian, which obtained the recording, said Mr Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds could be heard telling the Tory MP to "get out of my flat". | |
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Mr Fox - who backs Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race - said: "It's always easier to just give an explanation. | |
"The key thing is then how you get on to the issues. What we can't have is it being a distraction from explanations about wider policy." | |
He said it was "fair" for candidates to be asked questions about their character, but said: "I'm not sure what we've seen over the last few days is a far reflection of that." | |
Mr Fox also dismissed suggestions that Mr Johnson was a potential security risk. | |
Recalling Mr Johnson's previous role in government, he said: "Do you think Theresa May would make him foreign secretary if there were genuine worries about him being a security risk?" | |
"I think we have to get away from these distractions and talk about policy issues." |