Boris Johnson has made astonishing claims that his former ally, David Cameron, threatened him during the campaign leading up to the 2016 Brexit referendum. Johnson alleges that Cameron warned him against supporting the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU), stating that he would “f*** [Johnson] up” if he did. The revelations emerged during a candid discussion on the Diary of a CEO podcast with BBC Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett, where Johnson described a tense exchange with Cameron over their differing views on Brexit.
According to Johnson, Cameron attempted to sway him to back the remain camp by offering him a high-ranking position in the cabinet. However, Johnson found himself torn between his own beliefs about the democratic issues within the EU and the opportunity to influence the country’s future. Despite considering supporting the leave campaign, Johnson claims that Cameron’s threat of consequences if he did so was quite significant.
The clash between Johnson and Cameron during the Brexit referendum marked a critical moment in recent UK political history. Cameron, as Prime Minister at the time, strongly advocated for Britain to remain a part of the EU, citing economic stability and political influence as key reasons. On the other hand, Johnson saw Brexit as a chance for the UK to reclaim autonomy from the EU and operate independently from European regulations.
The depth of their disagreement underscores the profound impact of the Brexit decision on the UK’s trajectory. Cameron’s commitment to maintaining EU membership clashed with Johnson’s vision of a sovereign Britain, leading to a heated debate that reverberated throughout the country. The differing perspectives highlighted the complex challenges and divisions present within British society regarding its relationship with the EU.
As the repercussions of the Brexit decision continue to unfold, the revelations from Johnson about the intense discussions with Cameron provide insight into the high-stakes political environment surrounding the referendum. The rift between the two prominent figures exemplifies the broader debates and tensions that shaped the outcome of one of the most pivotal moments in recent British political history.