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Is Boris Johnson a feminist?

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It is the question on everyone’s lips: is Boris Johnson a feminist? The Prime Minister’s press secretary claimed a fortnight ago that he is; to the Guardian and the usual suspects he is a ‘priapic sexist’ guilty of the worst sorts of On the Buses smut – including in the Spectator’s own august pages. 

But now given Johnson’s support in November for a gender balanced parliament and his noticeably restrained comments last week about the policing of the Clapham Common vigil, Mr S wonders if absolute power has changed Boris, well, absolutely? 

Who better to answer this question than Caroline Nokes, elected unopposed last year as chair of the women and equalities committee in the Commons. Speaking to Bright Blue’s podcast, released today but recorded at the end of last month, Nokes was asked whether she thought Johnson was a feminist:

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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