DOUGLAS Ross says deeply offensive comments attributed to Boris Johnson are “indefensible” – but stopped short of demanding his boss’s resignation.
The Prime Minister has denied accusations that he said “no more ****ing lockdowns – let the bodies pile high in their thousands” in a furious Downing Street rant.
That’s despite at least three witnesses having briefed journalists that the report, originally published in the Daily Mail, is accurate.
Put on the spot over the Tory leader’s alleged behaviour, Ross said such comments are “utterly unacceptable” but stressed Downing Street has denied the claims.
“The Prime Minister and Number 10 have been very clear he did not make those comments,” the Moray MP said.
“Those comments made by anyone at any level of elected office in the country would be utterly unacceptable.
“I don't think I would want to see those comments given any more airtime because they will be deeply troubling at the tens of thousands of families that have lost loved ones here in Scotland, and far too many across the United Kingdom.
“But the Prime Minister has been clear he did not make those comments.”
READ MORE: Boris Johnson DID say 'let the bodies pile high', Robert Peston says
Ross was asked if his boss’s position would be tenable if he did make the comments.
He replied: “In terms of the remarks again, I would say they are unacceptable remarks that are indefensible, at any level of government from any person who is in or seeks elected office.
“But the Prime Minister has been very clear that he did not make the marks the remarks that have been suggested.”
He was then pressed on what the consequences should be after Robert Peston reported two new witnesses have corroborated the story.
“Well, they are unacceptable comments that no one can defend,” Ross said. “The person who made the alleged comments, and anyone else see. They are indefensible comments.”
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He was again asked if the Prime Minister should step down if the allegations are true. “They are indefensible,” the Scottish Tory leader responded. “You cannot defend language such as that.
“But, you know, I've got to say, I'm only basing my response on Number 10 and the Prime Minister saying he did not make those comments.
“But they are indefensible and I could never support them or support comments such as those.”
Asked if that meant he couldn’t support a person who made such comments, Ross: “Yeah. If that person has made those comments they are indefensible, but the Prime Minister has been very clear he didn’t make those comments.”
Peston, ITV’s political editor, has said two “earwitnesses” have corroborated the account to him.
Asked by Sky News if he had made the comment, Johnson commented: “No.”
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