Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson found himself at the center of controversy during a live appearance on Channel 4’s US election night coverage. Johnson was abruptly removed from the broadcast after he reportedly kept diverting the discussion towards promoting his book.
Johnson, known for his close ties with former US President Donald Trump, engaged in a heated exchange with journalist Emily Maitlis during the broadcast. Maitlis pressed Johnson on his relationship with Trump, particularly mentioning Stormy Daniels and the intimidation she faced after speaking out.
The interview took a tense turn when Maitlis raised concerns about threats faced by Daniels and asked Johnson about his comfort level with the women in his life being alone with Trump. Johnson expressed sympathy for Daniels but distanced himself from the ins and outs of her story. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the US administration for foreign policy purposes.
As Maitlis drew parallels between Johnson’s leadership style and Trump’s, Johnson vehemently disagreed and highlighted differences in their approaches. He dismissed the comparison as “sloppy” and “dangerous”, insisting on the uniqueness of the UK’s political landscape.
During the discussion, Johnson also addressed past criticisms regarding his handling of certain matters, including the Owen Patterson affair. He acknowledged past missteps but defended the UK government’s actions concerning various issues.
The conversation escalated as Johnson refuted claims of being influenced by Trump and asserted his independence. He categorically denied being a yes-man for Trump, recounting incidents where he had stood his ground against the former US President.
In a bid to redirect the conversation, Johnson reiterated his concerns about potential outcomes of the US election and underscored the significance of a strong United States. He cautiously expressed hope that Trump would act responsibly if re-elected, based on his observations.
The tense exchange on Channel 4’s coverage highlighted the differing viewpoints and approaches of Johnson and Maitlis regarding UK-US relations and political leadership styles. The incident ultimately led to Johnson being removed from the broadcast, underscoring the intensity of the debate.
As the US election unfolded, the clash between Johnson and Maitlis showcased the complexities and challenges in transatlantic relations, shedding light on the divergent perspectives within the political landscape.