More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Boris Johnson has received the backing of the Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke as he continues to face scrutiny over his personal life.
Mr Elphicke delivered his verdict on the first of a series of hustings meetings between Mr Johnson and Jeremy Hunt as they campaign to win the support of rank-and-file party activists.
The Dover MP, who is among 11 Kent MPs to back the former Mayor of London tweeted: “An assured and positive performance by @BorisJohnson at the Conservative leader hustings in Birmingham. Clear that Boris will be the leader with the political courage to take us out of Europe on 31st October #BackBoris”
Mr Johnson's campaign has been overshadowed by a recording of a row between him and his partner Carrie Symonds.
It led to police being called after a neighbour contacted them because he was worried about the welfare of the woman involved.
Mr Johnson refused to answer questions about the incident when he was quizzed by Iain Dale, a commentator and broadcaster who was chairing the hustings meeting.
He refused to be drawn on the subject despite being pressed several times.
Meanwhile, the Conservative leader of Medway Council has backed Mr Johnson to deliver Brexit.
Speaking before the reports emerged, Cllr Alan Jarrett said: “I think what we need to deliver Brexit and to win the next election is someone with the charisma to pull it off. It is why Boris Johnson for me is the right person for the job.”
Mr Jarret, who was speaking on the latest edition of Paul on Politics on KMTV said that while Mr Hunt was competent, he lacked the recognition factor of Boris Johnson.
“He is just another politician in a grey suit. He doesn't have the name recognition and what recognition he has was when he was Health Secretary and most of that was negative.”
Mr Johnson and Mr Hunt are to go head-to-head in a series of meetings before local party supporters before a vote at the end of July.
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