Video
Boris Johnson insists he’s never told a lie
Boris Johnson answers questions for ITV News. Photograph: ITV. - Credit: Archant
Boris Johnson has insisted to a reporter he has never told a lie during his political career.
The prime minister was told by ITV News reporter Paul Brand the issue of trust was a big problem.
He was then asked to look him in the eye and say that he had never lied during his political career.
Initially looking at the reporter, he said: "Absolutely not, absolutely not."
Looking away, he continued: "I've never tried to deceive the public and I've always tried to be frank."
You may also want to watch:
"Not even a white lie?" asked the reporter.
"I may have got things wrong," continued the politician. "And I may have been, er, mistaken, but I've never tried to deceive people about the way I see things".
Most Read
- 1 Sky News presenter says Boris Johnson is 'gaslighting the nation' over Covid claims
- 2 Michael Gove claims Boris Johnson is a 'huge asset' to Scotland
- 3 Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid reject Boris Johnson's coronavirus claim
- 4 Home Office launches voluntary repatriation scheme for EU nationals
- 5 Nigel Farage reminded of claim that 'acid test of Brexit' surrounds fishing after clip resurfaces
- 6 Brussels politician says Boris Johnson should 'pay for EU workers to stay' in UK
- 7 Jeremy Corbyn loses bid to release Labour documents ahead of High Court battle
- 8 Boris Johnson is the 'worst PM' and should resign, says Alastair Campbell
- 9 Pro-Brexit fishing campaigner says Boris Johnson's deal has left her with 'no fish'
- 10 PMQs: Boris Johnson calls for apology from Keir Starmer over coronavirus stances
In another clip he continued: "I'm not going to pretend that within my political career I've not said or done things that have caused offence, and that I haven't made mistakes.
"I've certainly made mistakes".
But his opponents were quick to seize on some of those "mistakes" he made which showed he had not been honest.
Jo Swinson pointed out that Michael Howard had to sack Boris Johnson from his frontbench back in 2004 when he lied over an extramarital affair.
She said: "He was sacked twice for lying. So when he says he has never lied, he's literally lying."
He had also been taken to court over the £350 million claim plastered on the side of the bus during the EU referendum campaign, and also for his reasons for proroguing parliament, which led to accusations he had lied to the Queen.
The fact he was prepared to look a reporter in the eye and deny lying could be a cause for concern for Brexiteer Mark Francois, who had been previously keen to point out Boris Johnson once looked him in the eye to give him assurances about Brexit.
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
