Brexit Debate Sees Johnson Attacked for Leadership Ambitions
- Former London mayor draws barbs from Energy Secretary Rudd
- Tory infighting dominating campaign, ex-Labour leader says
Former Mayor of London Boris Johnson argues for Britain to leave the EU during The ITV Referendum Debate on June 9, in London.
Photographer: Handout/ITV via Getty ImagesBoris Johnson came under concerted attack in a televised debate ahead of the U.K.’s referendum on EU membership, as his three opponents accused the figurehead of the campaign for a so-called Brexit of being more interested in using the referendum to further his career than protecting British workers.
The six participants largely repeated the arguments for and against EU membership that have characterized the campaign since Prime Minister David Cameron called the referendum in February. Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and opposition Labour Party business spokeswoman Angela Eagle, the three “Remain” proponents, all alluded to the former London mayor’s position as the bookmakers’ favorite to take over from Cameron as premier and Conservative Party leader.