Downing Street has admitted that Boris Johnson presided over a “nasty, misogynist culture” in No 10 however denied the prime minister himself was in charge.
An ITV documentary aired on Thursday, Tonight: Boris Johnson: The Rise and Fall, included allegations that Mr Johnson introduced with him to Downing Street “a very masculine culture … you know, lads down the pub.”
The nameless supply, mentioned to have labored in Downing Street, added, “If you were a female in that sort of zone, it’s actually quite uncomfortable to work in.”
ITV reported that in response to the allegations Mr Johnson’s director of communications, Guto Harri, mentioned the outgoing prime minister “carried the can for the bad behaviour of others”.
Mr Harri mentioned: “Previous aides who have devoted their lives to bringing down the PM did indeed preside over a nasty, misogynist culture.
“Downing Street has been a much better place without them.”
The key aide, who beforehand labored for Mr Johnson as London mayor earlier than being introduced into Downing Street in February, additionally reportedly mentioned: “The vast majority of the press office are women, roughly half the private office and indeed most of the main teams in No10.”
ITV mentioned no aides had been talked about by identify within the claims however of the aides apporached for the programme, none responded.
Dominic Cummings, Mr Johnson’s former high aide, mocked Mr Harri’s defence, writing on Twitter: “Ah yes, [Mr Johnson], the true victim, famous for selflessly ‘carrying the can for the bad behaviour of others’ [laughing face emoji].”
He added: “As one young woman forced out by [Mr Johnson] said, ‘he just stares at our t***’.”
Mr Johnson has beforehand been underneath scrutiny for sexist behaviour. When former Downing Street press secretary Allegra Stratton was requested final 12 months about sexist feedback made by Mr Johnson in his journalism days, comparable to referring to ladies as “hot totty”, she mentioned he would describe himself as a “feminist”.
The supply within the ITV documentary made additional claims about Mr Johnson’s time in No 10.
The prime minister, he mentioned, “was completely disorganised. He would never read his notes.”
He claimed: “First thing in the morning Boris Johnson would turn up two hours late. His hair would be wet. He’d have like his zip undone or his shirt hanging out. He’d be just a complete mess all the time.”
He additionally claimed there have been “way more” events in Downing Street throughout lockdown than got here to mild within the Sue Gray report.
“I think the prime minister himself had a few more than what has been reported, privately in his flat as well,” he mentioned.
Mr Johnson was issued a Fixed Penalty Notice by police for attending a gathering in No 10 for his birthday in May 2020.
Source: www.impartial.co.uk