Boris Johnson backtracks on his Jimmy Savile comments
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The Health Secretary heaped praise of the Labour leader’s achievements in his former role as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) saying he deserved “absolute respect” for his work in the post. He said he had done a “good job” as he refused to back the Prime Minister’s widely debunked claim that the Opposition leader was responsible for not prosecuting deceased child sex offender.
In a heated Commons clash on Monday, Mr Johnson said Sir Keir “spent most of his time as DPP prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile”.
Rejecting the claims today, Mr Javid told Sky News: “Keir Starmer, when he was running the DPP, did a good job and he should be respected for it.
“It is a tough job and he deserved absolute respect for that.
“But the Prime Minister has also come out and clarified those remarks, and that is important.”
Yesterday afternoon Mr Johnson appeared to row back on the comments, saying he was not suggesting Sir Keir was personally responsible.
Mr Javid becomes the second Cabinet minister in 24 hours to distance himself from the Prime Minister’s attack, with the original comments splitting the Government in two.
Mr Sunak last night told a press conference: “Being honest, I wouldn’t have said it and I’m glad the Prime Minister clarified what he said.”
But other ministers have defended the Prime Minister, saying there was nothing wrong with the remarks.
More to follow…
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