Glasgow-based BBC political correspondent, Laura Kuenssberg, was recently compelled to call off a much-awaited television interview with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson due to an embarrassing mistake on her part. The exclusive one-on-one session with the ex-leader was scheduled to take place that evening, garnering significant attention. Nevertheless, the interview has now been postponed indefinitely. Kuenssberg later disclosed the reason behind the cancellation, admitting that she mistakenly shared briefing notes intended for her team with Mr. Johnson, leading to confusion and her own regret.
Taking to Twitter, the former BBC political editor, who hails from Glasgow and is an alumna of the University of Edinburgh, addressed the incident, stating, “While prepping to interview Boris Johnson tomorrow, by mistake I sent our briefing notes to him in a message meant for my team. That obviously means it’s not right for the interview to go ahead.” She acknowledged the situation as frustrating and disappointing, emphasising the importance of honesty. Kuenssberg concluded her message by expressing her readiness for the rescheduled interview on Sunday.
The scrapped interview was expected to be Boris Johnson’s first significant interrogation about his tenure in Downing Street following his exit. During the session, he was poised to face challenging questions on various sensitive topics, such as Partygate, his handling of the pandemic, and the Chris Pincher scandal. Johnson, who stepped down from Parliament shortly before a damning standards committee report concluded he had misled the Commons regarding No10 parties, was prepared for rigorous questioning in the interview. The former Prime Minister maintains his belief that he was wrongfully removed and intends to present his version of events in his upcoming memoir ‘Unleashed’, slated for release later this month.
Almost a year has passed since the announcement of Boris Johnson’s anticipated move to GB News as a presenter; however, his much-awaited show has yet to materialise. Meanwhile, Laura Kuenssberg has been actively involved in a Panorama special titled ‘Partygate: Inside the Storm’ and a revealing three-part documentary on the Conservative government titled ‘State of Chaos’. Her work includes pivotal interviews with personalities central to Johnson’s leadership, shedding light on the turmoil during his premiership.
Furthermore, an upcoming memoir by Sir Graham Brady, the former chair of the influential 1922 Committee, alleges that Johnson derogatorily referred to Tory backbenchers as “spineless chicken s***” following their criticism of his former adviser Dominic Cummings. The fallout between Johnson and Cummings during the pandemic was tumultuous, with Cummings likening his ex-boss to a wayward shopping trolley. Sir Graham revealed that amidst the controversy surrounding Mr. Cummings’ controversial visit to Barnard Castle during lockdown, the ex-Prime Minister purportedly launched into a scathing diatribe, condemning backbench MPs in harsh terms. Johnson’s reported remarks about the COVID-19 guidance and scientists have also stirred debate and controversy.