Cameron Offered Johnson a Cabinet Post to Stop Brexit

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron offered Boris Johnson a senior cabinet post in exchange for his support for the UK remaining in the European Union ahead of the 2016 referendum, according to a BBC documentary marking the tenth anniversary of Brexit.

Johnson, the former London mayor and Cameron's long-time political rival, recalls being approached during a tennis match in early 2016 and offered a place among the top five government posts as part of the deal.

Cameron confirmed to the BBC that he wanted to signal to Johnson that he was counting on him as a significant part of the next government, though he stopped short of naming a specific position.

Johnson ultimately backed Britain's departure from the EU in February 2016, significantly influencing the course of the campaign. His decision came as a blow to Cameron, who on the day of the announcement was still trying to dissuade him from aligning with Brexit supporters Nigel Farage and George Galloway.

Justice Secretary Michael Gove also joined the Leave campaign at that time.

(guardian, bak)