Boris’s burka gag didn’t ‘bring shame’ on the Tories

Critics of Boris Johnson were quick to seize on the fact that when Beth Rigby, the political editor of Sky News, asked a question at his launch yesterday she was jeered by some of his supporters. Jessica Simor QC, an opponent of Brexit, tweeted: ‘The road to fascism – their boos at Beth Rigby made me shiver.’ Referring to the same incident, professor Colin Talbot asked: ‘How long before he goes full Trump and starts talking about Fake News?’

Had Rigby been non-partisan, these complaints might have some merit. But the words she used when she was jeered made it sound as if she was siding with Boris’s opponents. You can listen to her question here:

'People who have worked with you do not think you are fit to be prime minister.'@BethRigby challenges @BorisJohnson on his previous controversial comments. He apologises for any offence caused but says he'll "continue to speak as direct as I can".https://t.co/qOl9lhpMhe