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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Boris Johnson should give 'explanation' for home row | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 Guardian 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 Ms Symonds, Mr Johnson's partner, could be heard telling the Tory MP to "get out of my flat". | |
| Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show about the row, 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." | "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 added: "I'm not sure what we've seen over the last few days is a fair reflection of that." | |
| Mr Fox also dismissed suggestions that Mr Johnson was a potential security risk. | 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?" | 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." | "I think we have to get away from these distractions and talk about policy issues." |
| Meanwhile, speaking to John Pienaar on BBC Radio 5 Live, Ms Truss said Mr Johnson had a proven record, so "people know what he's like in office". | |
| The Chief Secretary to the Treasury said: "There's no point asking me. I believe it's a private matter - I don't think the public are concerned about that. | |
| "Boris served for eight years as Mayor of London, did a brilliant job; he's served as foreign secretary - people know what he's like in office, and that's what's important." |