Bojo: I was too fat to fight virus
BORIS Johnson has admitted he was “too fat” to fight Covid-19 and has gone on to lose 26lb since his April illness.
The Prime Minister, who faces criticism for bungling the UK Government’s response to the virus crisis, came out fighting against claims that symptoms of “long Covid” may have affected his performance.
In his speech to the virtual Tory conference, Johnson said: “I have read a lot of nonsense recently about how my own bout of Covid has somehow robbed me of my mojo.
“Of course, this is self-evident drivel. I could refute these critics of my athletic abilities in any way that they want, arm wrestling, leg wrestling… you name it. And yet I have to admit that the reason I had such a nasty experience with the disease is that, although I was superficially in the pink of health when I caught it, I had a very common underlying condition – my friends, I was too fat. And I have since lost 26lbs.”
As well as losing weight, the Prime Minister has lost the support of his own party amid speculation that he will not lead the Tories into the 2024 election.
A poll of Conservative members placed Johnson as the second least popular person in his cabinet, beaten only by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
Nevertheless, Johnson tried to inject optimism into his speech. He said he is confident that Britain will defeat coronavirus and pledged the Government is determined to “build back better”.