Boris Johnson remains defiant as Leave campaign's integrity questioned

Boris Johnson defended the Vote Leave campaign Credit: BBC/Andrew Marr Show

Boris Johnson has dismissed a stinging attack from former prime minister Sir John Major about the conduct of the Vote Leave campaign ahead of the EU referendum.

Earlier, speaking on the Andrew Marr show, Mr Major criticised the Leave campaign and said it was "deceitful and misleading", and said he is "angry at the way the British people are being misled" in the EU referendum debate

He also characterised Boris Johnson as a "very engaging and charming court jester" and warned that if he should be wary of continuing to divide the Conservative Party if he has Number 10 ambitions.

"If Boris has the laudable ambition to become prime minister, he will find if he achieves that that he will not have the loyalty of the party he divided," Mr Major said.

Sir John Mayor said Mr Johnson should learn from the case of 'serially disloyal' Iain Duncan Smith. Credit: BBC/Andrew Marr Show

When asked to respond to Mr Major's criticism, the former London mayorsaid he was dismissing the attack "in a way".

  • On immigration

In respond the criticisms that his camp are focusing too much on the issue of immigration, Mr Johnson:

"For me this is a question of democracy, it's about public consent and explaining to people, at the moment we have absolutely no power to change our immigration policy."

  • Blue on Blue attacks

Discussing the issue of apparent attacks by the Leave campaign questioning David Cameron's effectiveness as prime minister and integrity, Mr Johnson was shown an image of one of their campaigns.

It read: "You can't trust David Cameron on immigration."

Boris Johnson said 'it was the first time' he had seen the campaign. Credit: BBC/Andrew Marr Show

Mr Johnson said: "I backed David Cameron in 2005 because he was the best man for the job, and he is the best man for the job now."

But he added: "What I think is certainly true is that if you tell people that you can cut immigration to the tens of thousands and we all stand on that manifesto...and if you then are unable to legally to deliver what you have pledged because of our membership of the EU, I think it is frustrating and I think people want an answer. "

David Cameron and Boris Johnson pictured together in July 2015. Credit: PA

Mr Johnson also rejected any suggestion that he is to opposing David Cameron on the issue of Britain’s membership of the EU for his own political ambition, saying it was “absolute nonsense”.