Howard backs Boris ahead of Liverpool trip
Conservative Party Leader Michael Howard has expressed his full confidence in the MP for Henley and editor of The Spectator magazine.
Mr Howard described Boris Johnson as a “good Shadow Arts Minister” whose job was safe for the time being.
Mr Johnson caused a political storm by running an anonymous editorial suggesting the people of Liverpool had a predilection for wallowing in “victim status” and being “hooked on grief.”
The article noted “the mawkish sentimentality of a society that has become hooked on grief and likes to wallow in a sense of vicarious victimhood.”
The right-wing magazine also suggested the Liverpudlian psyche evoked an “excessive predilection for welfarism.”
It is not clear whether he in fact penned the article, but as editor of the magazine he has taken responsibility.
The article was published after thousands across Merseyside held a two-minute silence in memory of the murder of Ken Bigley in Iraq.
The article claimed there had been an “extreme reaction” to the execution of Mr Bigley.
Under police protection, Mr Boris is expected to travel to Liverpool tomorrow to apologise in person.
Mr Howard said Mr Johnson would be made accountable by issuing a full and frank public apology to the city.
In light of the reaction to the article, Mr Johnson admitted to receiving a verbal “kick in the pants” from Mr Howard.
“I totally disagree with the comment in The Spectator about Liverpool. I have nothing but the greatest admiration and affection for Liverpool and its people,” said Mr Howard.
“I think what was said in the Spectator was nonsense from beginning to end.”
Peter Kilfoyle, Labour MP for Liverpool, Walton, said the article was inaccurate, outrageous and bigoted.
