THERE was a “nasty, misogynistic culture” in Downing Steet during Boris Johnson’s tenure, Number 10 has admitted.
A spokesperson made the comment in response to fresh allegations against Johnson in a new documentary.
A former staffer told ITV that Johnson’s arrival in Number 10 back in 2019 brought with it “a very masculine culture”, likening it to “lads down the pub”. They added that it was an “uncomfortable” place for women to work.
READ MORE: Angela Rayner says Boris Johnson must explain 'Sexist of the Year' award claims
But Downing Street argued it was not Johnson who was responsible for the atmosphere.
"Previous aides who have devoted their lives to bringing down the PM did indeed preside over a nasty, misogynist culture", the spokesman said.
"Downing Street has been a much better place without them."
In the documentary, titled Tonight: Boris Johnson: The Rise & Fall, the source who worked closely with the outgoing Prime Minister also said he was “completely disorganised” as a leader.
"First thing in the morning Boris Johnson would turn up two hours late. His hair would be wet. He'd have like his zip undone or his shirt hanging out. He'd be just a complete mess all the time,” they alleged.
The anonymous former staffer also told the programme that there were “way more” parties in Number 10 while Covid rules were in place than what came out during the partygate scandal.
"I think the Prime Minister himself had a few more than what has been reported, privately in his flat as well,” they claimed.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon says misogynist men must change to make politics better
But Number 10 also denied this, telling ITV: "The Metropolitan police carried out a thorough investigation into parties at No10 issuing the PM with only one FPN. He has - to a large extent therefore - carried the can for the bad behaviour of others - including some of his most fierce and shameless opponents."
The programme airs at 8.30pm tonight on STV.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel