Boris Johnson appears to confirm Andrew Neil interview in row over BBC appearances
2 min read
Boris Johnson appeared to suggest he was going to be interviewed by Andrew Neil after a row over his appearances on the BBC.
The Prime Minister had controversially agreed to go on The Andrew Marr show despite not yet agreeing to a grilling from the corporation's most-feared political interrogator.
But speaking on that show he said: “I am perfectly happy to be interviewed by any interviewer called Andrew from the BBC.”
It comes after Labour said the broadcaster had been “played” by the PM and demanded they fight back.
The shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said Mr Johnson was “making sure there isn't a proper debate” and said to the BBC: “You need to start looking at yourselves to what you should be doing to hold [Boris Johnson] to account.”
Other major party leaders, including Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, have all agreed to be interviewed by Mr Neil on his half-hour evening slot.
But the Tories have repeatedly refused to agree to a time take part, saying they are “in discussions” with the Beeb about the PM appearing.
Asked by Mr Marr why he was “avoiding being interviewed by Andrew Neil”, Mr Johnson said: “Because I think we've got a perfectly, brilliant Andrew [here].”
Pressed on this by the presenter he replied: “I am perfectly happy to be interviewed by any interviewer called Andrew from the BBC, and we will make sure that [happens].”
But a senior aide to the PM denied anything had been agree, saying after Sunday’s interview: "We remain in discussions.”
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