Boris Johnson's popularity not impacted by 'tales of naughtiness'

Former Nigel Farage advisor Annabelle Sanderson says Boris Johnson's "Teflon quality" means scandals do not erode his popularity with the British public.

The comments come after a spokesperson for Number 10 confirmed Mr Johnson and his partner Carrie Symonds are engaged and expecting a baby in the middle of the year.

"The prime minister and Miss Symonds are very pleased to announce their engagement and that they are expecting a baby in the early summer," a spokesperson for the couple said.

Mr Johnson will become the first UK prime minister to marry while in office for more than 250 years.

The 55-year-old already has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler; the pair married 25 years ago but are now separated.

Mr Johnson also has a daughter with art consultant Helen Macintyre and has denied rumours he fathered a baby-out-of-wedlock.

Ms Sanderson told Sky News the prime minister’s “popularity has not diminished at all” from “tales of naughtiness”.

She said “like [prince] Harry was sort of proud of being a little bit naughty, we want someone with a bit of personality”.

“Fundamentally, when it comes to the prime minister we want someone who will deliver on the promises made in the manifesto” she said.

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