Laura Kuenssberg says Boris Johnson’s ‘personality’ led to his downfall in savage dig at PM

Former BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg took a swipe at Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a tell-all interview with Vogue magazine as he's due to leave Downing Street

Laura Kuenssberg has said it was Boris Johnson’s "personality and behaviour" that ultimately led to his downfall in parliament.

The former BBC Political Editor made a dig at the prime minister during an interview in the September issue of Vogue magazine.

Although she shared she was "shocked" at the "pace and scale of the moves against Johnson", she said she was not surprised when he eventually resigned in July.

"I think it’s clear that until that very late last night, there was a real sense of denial," she told the publication.

Likening his demise to a game of Jenga, she added: "One piece comes out, and then another and it gets wobblier, then it stabilises, then when it actually crashes it crashes really quickly and messily."

The political journalist said Boris' downfall was like a 'game of Jenga'

Image:

( Paul Wetherell)

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Mr Johnson quit as PM following months of sleaze and scandal, from Partygate to the row about who paid for the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat.

But his decision to appoint Chris Pincher as Deputy Chief Whip in February – despite being informed of a complaint about his conduct in 2019 – was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Giving a statement outside Downing St, he told the nation he would leave his post after just shy of three years as prime minister.

He said: "I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world, but them's the breaks."

But he stopped short of offering any form of apology for his behaviour – and insisted on staying on until a new prime minister is appointed in September.

Laura Kuenssberg has interviewed Boris Johnson many times

Image:

( Getty Images)

Kuenssberg’s savage comments come as she prepares to host the BBC’s flagship political programme – taking over from Andrew Marr’s slot.

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg will premiere on September 4 on BBC One in a new format that will see her give her analysis on the week’s news before setting a revolving panel of experts one clear question to answer.

Politicians, world leaders, academics and the occasional celebrity are also set to appear as guests.

Laura said her new watchword as she presents the show will be "accountability".

Just before her first programme airs, the nation should have a new prime minister – but it remains to be seen whether it will be Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak.

Sharing her excitement at landing her own show, Kuenssberg said: "I couldn’t be more delighted.

"For decades Sunday morning has been the moment to explore the events that shape us and to challenge and listen to our politicians.

"It’s an honour to take the chair for that conversation in the 2020s."

Interim Director of BBC News Jonathan Munro said: "Laura’s the perfect host for our flagship weekend politics show – she’s an engaging presenter and a razor-sharp political interviewer, and she knows exactly which questions audiences want answered."

Laura confirmed in December that she was stepping down as the BBC’s political editor at Easter after seven years in the job.

The September issue of British Vogue is available on newsstands and via digital download now.

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