THERE was a “nasty, misogynistic culture” in Downing Steet during Boris Johnson’s tenure, Number 10 has admitted.
A spokesperson made the comment in response to fresh allegations against Johnson in a new documentary.
A former staffer told ITV that Johnson’s arrival in Number 10 back in 2019 brought with it “a very masculine culture”, likening it to “lads down the pub”. They added that it was an “uncomfortable” place for women to work.
But Downing Street argued it was not Johnson who was responsible for the atmosphere.
"Previous aides who have devoted their lives to bringing down the PM did indeed preside over a nasty, misogynist culture", the spokesman said.
"Downing Street has been a much better place without them."
In the documentary, titled Tonight: Boris Johnson: The Rise & Fall, the source who worked closely with the outgoing Prime Minister also said he was “completely disorganised” as a leader.
"First thing in the morning Boris Johnson would turn up two hours late. His hair would be wet. He'd have like his zip undone or his shirt hanging out. He'd be just a complete mess all the time,” they alleged.
The anonymous former staffer also told the programme that there were “way more” parties in Number 10 while Covid rules were in place than what came out during the partygate scandal.
"I think the Prime Minister himself had a few more than what has been reported, privately in his flat as well,” they claimed.
But Number 10 also denied this, telling ITV: "The Metropolitan police carried out a thorough investigation into parties at No10 issuing the PM with only one FPN. He has - to a large extent therefore - carried the can for the bad behaviour of others - including some of his most fierce and shameless opponents."
The programme airs at 8.30pm tonight on STV.
