Boris Johnson’s father warns of ‘ruthless assassinations’ amid Labour leadership crisis: ‘Put country first!’

Boris Johnson’s father, Stanley, has issued a warning over “ruthless assassinations” in politics amid Keir Starmer’s leadership crisis.

The former MEP, whose son was ousted by the Conservative Party in 2022, gave his verdict to GB News about the brewing civil war in the Labour Party.

“I saw what total damage the Tory party did to itself when it got rid of Boris,” he began.

“It was a kind of ruthless assassination… The Tory Party just did not recover for a very long time,” Mr Johnson explained.

The former MEP explained why he does not find any satisfaction in the trouble engulfing the Prime Minister.

“As a Conservative supporter, why would I worry if the Labour Party disintegrates as a result of this?", he asked.

“Well, I think that this sort of situation, where the party doesn't come first, the country comes first.

“If I look at the damage which lies out there, the potential damage on any of the scenarios except for Keir Starmer staying in power, I flinch. I'm horrified,” he said.

“At this stage, you have to say what is good for the country,” Mr Johnson insisted.

“What is good for the country is not another great kerfuffle as we try to get a new Prime Minister.

“And it will be a worse outcome. Any outcome you can see will be worse than the current one. That's how it feels,” he warned.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is thought to be poised to launch a leadership challenge while fellow frontrunner Andy Burnham is said to be seeking a seat in Parliament to launch a bid.

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Angela Rayner, another potential hopeful, has also been cleared over the stamp duty scandal, which saw her step down as Deputy Prime Minister, opening the way for a challenge.

Outsider options, including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, are said to be mulling joining the fray if a contest were to be triggered.

Mr Johnson questioned: “Is this an argument for saying either that the system is broken or that we're not getting the right people at the top?

“I mean, the last sort of long-serving prime minister we had really was David Cameron,” he reflected.

Regarding Sir Keir’s chances of survival, Mr Johnson reckoned: “He is going to fight.

“As I understand, he has a de facto right to be a candidate. And I understand he's going to exercise that right.

“I will put a little bit of money on him not losing,” he said.