Boris Johnson in ‘bust-up’ at state visit reception as Tory tensions grow

WorldPolitics
19 Sep 2025 • 1:35 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A state reception dinner for British right-wingers in London's Mayfair descended into a heated disagreement between Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and broadcaster Andrew Neil.
  • The 'bust-up' centred on the Conservative government's record, particularly regarding Brexit and immigration, with a witness describing 'real anger' among attendees.
  • Boris Johnson robustly defended his government's actions, arguing Brexit provided powers to reduce immigration and that he had done so, while others criticised the Tories' performance in power.
  • The event, hosted by US broadcaster Newsmax, included guests such as Nigel Farage, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Marco Rubio, and US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent, who are in the UK for Donald Trump's state visit.
  • The row highlights growing tensions on the Conservative right, following recent high-profile defections of former Tory MPs, including Danny Kruger and Maria Caulfield, to Reform UK.

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