Boris Johnson's Wakefield speech in front of police officers should have had 'clear delineation' from political points

A speech made by Boris Johnson in front of 35 police officers in West Yorkshire should have had a “clear delineation” between government policy and political content, the Head of the Civil Service has said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a speech to police officers during a visit on September 5, 2019 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Photo: Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesPrime Minister Boris Johnson gives a speech to police officers during a visit on September 5, 2019 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Photo: Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a speech to police officers during a visit on September 5, 2019 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Photo: Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwell said there was not a “deliberate attempt” to make political points in front of the officers, which angered West Yorkshire Chief Constable John Robins.

But in a letter to Labour's Shadow Policing Minister, Louise Haigh - and seen by The Yorkshire Post - he recognised the divide between the two parts of the speech should have been clearer.

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Mr Johnson had been in Wakefield to launch an officer recruitment drive but he also spoke about Brexit and other policies.

Sir Mark said the backdrop was “not reconsidered” after a “late change to the speech”.

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He said although it was not ususal for ministers to include political content in speeches, he added: “There should have been a clearer delineation between the government policy aspects (concerning police recruitment) and political content.

"In addition, the media questions went beyond police recruitment to cover other topical issues of the day.

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"Due to the last minute changes, these aspects were not considered properly."

Ms Haigh said: "The Prime Minister's desperate attempt to use the police as a party political stunt backfired wildly and the civil service's unease at his behaviour is obvious.

"This is a Prime Minister that cannot be trusted to behave properly, tell the truth or run the country."

Sir Mark said there was “a perception created” that police had been involved for political purposes but this was “unintentional”.

He added: “The Prime Minister's Office are reviewing their visit planning process to learn any lessons and to improve planning and communication.”