ormer Scottish Conservative chief Ruth Davidson has mentioned Boris Johnson described his time as international secretary as like being “imprisoned in a metal condom”.
Mr Johnson grew to become international secretary in 2016 and resigned in 2018 over Theresa Might’s Brexit plans, however not earlier than first attracting criticism for making feedback Richard Ratcliffe mentioned “enabled a propaganda marketing campaign” towards his British-Iranian spouse Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe who was being held in Tehran.
Talking to LBC’s Iain Dale at a latest Edinburgh Fringe occasion, Baroness Davidson mentioned: “He as soon as described being international secretary to me as like being enclosed in a metal condom. I discovered it odd as a result of I hadn’t requested him.
I’ve by no means heard that as a phrase… it could definitely have an effect on efficiency…
“I feel he meant the quantity of consideration he had from civil servants to verify he didn’t say something. Imprisoned in a metal condom is what he mentioned,” she added, in feedback reported by The Day by day Telegraph.
“I’ve by no means heard that as a phrase… it could definitely have an effect on efficiency, however this isn’t my space of experience as I feel you’ve already lined.”
Baroness Davidson resigned the management of the Scottish Tories in August 2019 shortly after Mr Johnson grew to become PM and was given a life peerage within the Home of Lords in July 2021.
The 43-year-old has not been afraid to criticise Mr Johnson, together with early final month saying it was “arrant nonsense” for him to stay till a brand new chief is elected.
In the meantime, Downing Road has signalled it it nonetheless dedicated to helping a parliamentary inquiry into whether or not Mr Johnson lied to MPs over lockdown events in No 10.
Main allies of the Prime Minister have attacked the investigation by the Commons Privileges Committee denouncing it as a “witch hunt”.
It follows studies that a lot of the committee members – together with a number of the Conservatives – have made public feedback vital of Mr Johnson’s conduct through the “partygate” scandal.
Nevertheless, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman mentioned No 10 stood prepared to help the committee in its inquiries – and will proceed to take action after Mr Johnson leaves workplace subsequent month.
The spokesman additionally defended Mr Johnson’s vacation along with his spouse, Carrie, in Slovenia amid criticism he was “lacking in motion” through the cost-of-living disaster.
“I feel the general public perceive that it’s not uncommon for the Prime Minister – for ministers – to take a while off through the summer time recess,” they mentioned.
The spokesman added that the journey had not concerned the usage of taxpayers’ cash, however declined to say whether or not Mr Johnson – who’s now again working in Downing Road – had paid for it himself.
“No taxpayers’ cash was used for this. This was a personal vacation. Any declarations might be made if required,” they mentioned.
