BoJo took cocaine – ‘but only once’
FRONTRUNNER Mr Johnson yesterday insisted he used cocaine only once, more than 30 years ago, after he faced further questions over drug use.
He dismissed the suggestion that he had repeatedly used the Class A drug, pointing to a ‘single inconclusive event that took place when I was a teenager’.
Asked if he had used the drug at any point since, he replied: ‘No.’
All the Tory candidates have faced questions over drugs after the Daily Mail revealed Environment Secretary Michael Gove had taken cocaine on ‘several social occasions’ 0 years ago. But Mr Johnson was accused of failing to set the record straight after he gave an incomplete answer at his campaign launch.
The issue was raised again yesterday on the BBC’s World at One, his first broadcast grilling since launching his campaign.
Asked when he had last taken cocaine, he replied: ‘I have answered that question exhaustively. But I can tell you the canonical answer has been given.’
In an interview with GQ magazine in 007, Mr Johnson said he tried cocaine at university but sneezed at the critical moment. However, the following year, he told the Evening Standard: ‘To say I have taken cocaine is simply untrue.’
HOUNDED by taunts he was running scared of a televised leadership debate – or ‘frit’, as Mrs Thatcher memorably coined it – Boris Johnson agreed, finally, to take part.
The favourite for the Tory crown insisted he was happy to appear – but after the number of rivals is whittled down on Tuesday.
The Mail welcomes his decision. Yes, his supporters may desire a quick coronation – but that backfired disastrously with Theresa May.
Regardless of his huge lead in the race, he is standing for the land’s highest office.
Each candidate must be scrupulously tested on their opinions, ideas and character against rivals who know their Achilles heel. Why not do it? Only if there’s something to hide or for fear of making gaffes.
Above all, voters deserve to see their next prime minister’s mettle and, crucially, if he can withstand pressure. Moreover, the ordeal will give the victor greater legitimacy.
It’s become open season on Mr Johnson. Jeremy Hunt questioned his bravery. A top Conservative Muslim ludicrously compared him to Hitler. And Penny Mordaunt, in today’s Mail, brands him a ‘populist tiger’.
These blue-on-blue attacks are unhelpful for the Tories as a possible general election looms. They must examine the hopefuls rigorously – but not self-destruct.