Boris Johnson should’ve addressed ‘elephant in the room’ instead of dodging questions on row, says hustings host

BORIS Johnson should have addressed the "elephant in the room" instead of dodging questions about a row at his home, the hustings host has said.

Iain Dale grilled the wannabe PM five times over the "plate smashing" argument at the Tory leadership showdown.

But the 55-year-old politician brushed off the questions, saying: "I don't think they want to hear that kind of thing".

The spat between Johnson and girlfriend Carrie Symonds, 31, led to senior Tories voicing concerns Johnson had ruined his chances to get into No10.

And hustings host Iain Dale said he had wanted to continue to quiz Johnson over the row.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain, the English broadcaster said today: "The audience booed me because I repeatedly asked him about it.

"It was the big news story of the day

"He was there to explain his vision for the Tory party, his vision for the country.

"You can't ignore the elephant in the room and that was the elephant in the room."

He said he had pressed Johnson five or six times, adding: "Once you realise you're not going to get anything, what is the point going ten or 15 times?"

GMB co-host Piers Morgan agreed, saying Johnson's character was under the microscope as he pushed for the role of Prime Minister.

AVOIDING THE QUESTION

Johnson failed to address dramatic reports of cops rushing to his home over the weekend.

While visibly squirming, Johnson protested: "I think what people have come here for today - the seductive interviewer though you are - I don't think they want to hear about that kind of thing, unless I'm wrong.

"I think what they want to hear is my plans for this party and this country."

The audience booed and shouted "move on" as journalist Iain Dale pressed Johnson on the matter, arguing it was necessary to get answers on the candidate's private lives.

You can't ignore the elephant in the room and that was the elephant in the room

Iain Dale

But as Johnson was chastised for "completely avoiding" the questions by Mr Dale, he said: "I salute your indefatigable ability, but I'm under the sad obligation of wanting to get my message across.

"People are entitled to ask about my determination and character. Let me tell you, when I make a promise in politics about what I'm going to do, I keep that promise and I deliver."

Mr Dale put it to him that he was not going to make any comment at all regarding what happened in the early hours of Friday, and Johnson said that was "pretty obvious".

The Tory PM hopeful was later accused of being "bored" after he wanted to know how much time of questioning was left.

It comes after The Sun today revealed how Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds had four explosive rows in six weeks.

Friends say they have been under massive pressure as Boris campaigns to become PM.

However, they say the pair are determined to stay together and make the relationship work.