By Johnson’s top aide quits over Savile comments
Boris Johnson’s policy chief Munira Mirza has quit, condemning his “inappropriate” attack on Keir Starmer over Jimmy Savile.
The head of policy resigned over the PM’s false claim that Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute serial sex offender Jimmy Savile when he was director of public prosecutions.
Mr Johnson made the accusation on Monday, sparking anger from MPs on all politcal sides – even from his own party.
On Thursday the PM back-tracked on his comment, saying the Labour leader “had nothing to do personally with those decisions”.
Munira Mirza said he should have apologised for the misleading remarks.
In her resignation letter, published by The Spectator, she wrote: “This was not the usual cut and thrust of politics; it was an inappropriate and partisan reference to a horrendous case of child sex abuse. You tried to clarify your position today but, despite my urging, you did not apologise for the misleading impression you gave.
She added: “You are a better man than many of your detractors will ever understand, which is why it is so desperately sad that you let yourself down by making a scurrilous accusation against the leader of the opposition.”
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