German EU chief mocks ‘weak’ May and Boris’s hair

GERMANY’S most senior European Union official mocked British Cabinet divisions over Brexit in a speech in which he dismissed Theresa May as “weak” and compared Boris Johnson to Donald Trump, it has emerged.

“Mrs May is weak and Boris Johnson has the same hairstyle as Trump. That says it all,” Günther Oettinger, the EU’S budget commissioner, said.

Speaking to students from across Europe at a school in Germany, Mr Oettinger said he hoped Brexit would be reversed by future generations.

“I would like to ask you to start a movement in 15 years to rejoin the EU,” he told British students at the event.

He said he was concerned at the lack of progress in Brexit negotiations.

“There are still many issues that need to be resolved, such as the future of Ireland or university cooperation,” he said. “One can only hope that her more sensible compatriots steer Mrs May towards a smart Brexit.”

Mr Oettinger, who is no stranger to controversy, made the comments during an appearance at the European School in Karlsruhe, one of 13 schools around Europe set up by the EU to teach students from different countries side by side.

As budget commissioner, Mr Oettinger, 64, has been at the heart of discussions within the EU over how to make up the shortfall from Britain’s contributions, and has called for remaining members to pay more.

His latest budget plans have come under heavy criticism, with net contributors such as Austria and the Netherlands complaining they are being asked to pay too much.