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PM: Brexit divisions make allegations 'inevitable' | PM: Brexit divisions make allegations 'inevitable' |
(32 minutes later) | |
Boris Johnson has said he is facing accusations about his personal conduct because he is viewed as the person who is "helping to deliver Brexit". | Boris Johnson has said he is facing accusations about his personal conduct because he is viewed as the person who is "helping to deliver Brexit". |
The prime minister said it was "inevitable" he would face "shot and shell" because of his stance on Brexit. | The prime minister said it was "inevitable" he would face "shot and shell" because of his stance on Brexit. |
He also continued to deny allegations he squeezed a female journalist's thigh at a lunch 20 years ago. | He also continued to deny allegations he squeezed a female journalist's thigh at a lunch 20 years ago. |
He said it was "very sad that someone should make those allegations", adding they were "not true". | He said it was "very sad that someone should make those allegations", adding they were "not true". |
Journalist Charlotte Edwardes, writing in the Sunday Times, accused Mr Johnson of touching her thigh, and that of another woman, at a lunch in 1999 at the offices of the Spectator magazine. | |
He has also faced questions in recent days over his ties to US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri during his time as London mayor - he insists he acted with "full propriety". | |
It is alleged Ms Arcuri received favourable treatment due to her friendship with Mr Johnson, but the PM has said there was "no interest to declare". | |
Asked about stories regarding his personal conduct on the third day of the Conservative conference in Manchester, the prime minister told BBC Breakfast: "I've said pretty much what I have to say on all those things. | |
"This is a very difficult time... Brexit is about to be done and a lot of people don't want Brexit to be done. | |
"And I think, rightly or wrongly, they conceive of me as the person who is helping to deliver Brexit, and it is inevitable that I'm going to come under a certain amount of shot and shell. | |
"I don't mind that in the least," he added. | |
Mr Johnson was also asked about proposals for additional customs checks on the island of Ireland which the UK is said to be taking to the EU. |