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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Mikey Smith

BBC insiders fear Boris Johnson could chicken out of Andrew Neil grilling

Chicken Boris Johnson still hasn't agreed a date to get a grilling from the BBC's Andrew Neil before the election.

And BBC insiders fear the Tory leader may try to wriggle out of the interview altogether.

The veteran broadcaster is lined up to subject every major party leader to an uncompromising interview during the campaign.

Jeremy Corbyn faced tough questions on anti-Semitism, Brexit and his plans to hand cash to WASPI women in a prime time roasting on Tuesday night.

And SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage have all confirmed dates for their interviews.

But Mr Johnson's team have yet to find a date for the Tory leader to sit down with Mr Neil.

The PM would face awkward questions on claims access to UK health services and lowering food standards would be included in a US trade deal.

He could face questions about his personal life and family.

Islamophobia - including his own comments which were hurtful to British Muslims - would almost certainly come up.

As would questions over whether he values honesty and trust in politics.

And he would be forced to defend the brutal austerity policies of the Conservative party in government.

In previous elections, all major party leaders have agreed to take part in the half-hour programmes ahead of polling day.

Mr Johnson has also refused to take part in TV debates for Channel 4 last week and the BBC this week.

A BBC spokesman said: "We're in ongoing discussions with his team but haven't yet been able to fix a date."

However a BBC source said the Tories were "engaging helpfully".

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