Naughty Boris

It appears that Boris Johnson has been a naughty boy. There have been allegations that he had an affair with a journalist from The Spectator magazine, Petronella Wyatt. Boris is the editor of the magazine. Tory leader, Michael Howard, apparently asked Boris if there was any truth in these allegations, which Boris denied. Now there are fresh allegations, including the fact that Ms Wyatt had an abortion, paid for by Johnson, last month.

Last night, Michael Howard sacked Boris over the 'phone. The reasons citied are not the fact that he had an affair, but the fact that he lied about it when challenged. Personally, I think most people would. However, it appears that the affair has been going on for a while, I am sure it is no secret to those who move in the right circles, but one has to wonder why it has come out now, after Howard made Johnson a scapegoat over an article published in his magazine (which he didn't write), claiming that Liverpudlians were "hooked on grief" in the wake of Ken Bigeley's murder.

When Howard became leader of the Conservative party, Johnson was made vice-chairman and subsequently shadow minister for the Arts.

Boris is a very popular figure, and one of the better known Tory MPs. His appearances as quiz master on TV shows like Have I Got News For You... have made him known and respected. Johnson, is a married father of four who, in spite of his 'bumbling' image comes across as quite bright and witty, and more in touch with reality than some other high profile Tory politicians. He even has his own fansite.

The BBC have asked people for their views. It is too soon (at the time of writing) to see what people are thinking. My general feeling is that he is popular figure, and the Tory party cannot afford to be without him in the run up to next year's election.