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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Stephen Sumner

Council leader brands Boris Johnson 'blond baffoon' with no Brexit plan

Britain's new Prime Minister is a "blond buffoon" with no idea how to deliver Brexit, North Somerset Council’s leader has claimed. 

Asked what contingencies the authority has in place for when the country leaves the European Union, Councillor Don Davies said it cannot plan because Boris Johnson does not have a plan himself. 

He was rebuked for attacking the former London mayor, who was not there to defend himself.

Speaking at the full council meeting on Tuesday, the day Mr Johnson was confirmed as the new Prime Minister, Liberal Democrat councillor Caroline Cherry said: “Boris Johnson intends to remove the UK from the EU, deal or no deal. Does the leader agree Brexit will have a profound and damaging effect on our economy? 

“Can members have a briefing on the council’s Brexit preparations and how it is intending to mitigate the impacts?” 

Cllr Davies, in independent, branded the incoming Prime Minister a “blond buffoon” and said: “Boris Johnson has no idea - how can we? We’re in an extremely difficult position.”

He said Brexit may cause issues importing and exporting goods, and cause concern for EU citizens living in North Somerset.

Conservative councillor Ann Harley said she did not want to listen to Cllr Davies’ attacks on Mr Johnson. 

He was told by independent council chairman David Shopland: “Don’t libel someone who can’t answer back.” 

Cllr Shopland said he would not allow a national debate in the council chamber but added: "We survived in 1914."

Cllr Patrick Keating, a Lib Dem tweeted that the Tories had tried to "shut down the debate", adding: "This is a national issue that will have significant local impact & thus is a very relevant topic for discussion - for instance the loss of European funding for key projects must be considered."

For the latest news in and around Bristol, check back on Bristol Live's homepage.

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