David Cameron offered Boris Johnson senior Cabinet role if he agreed not to push for Brexit
David Cameron offered Boris Johnson a senior Cabinet role in exchange for his support in the campaign to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum. Despite this offer, Johnson ultimately decided to back the Brexit campaign, which was a significant setback for Cameron. This revelation was shared in a BBC documentary marking the 10th anniversary of Brexit.
- ▪Cameron offered Johnson a top five Cabinet position if he supported the remain campaign.
- ▪Johnson announced his support for Brexit just four months before the referendum.
- ▪The discussion took place during a tennis match in early 2016.
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David Cameron and Boris Johnson in 2012. Photograph: AFP/GettyView image in fullscreenDavid Cameron and Boris Johnson in 2012. Photograph: AFP/GettyBrexitDavid Cameron offered Boris Johnson senior Cabinet role if he agreed not to push for BrexitJohnson tells BBC documentary he played tennis in early 2016 with then prime minister to discuss EU referendum UK politics live – latest updates Ben Quinn Political correspondentWed 3 Jun 2026 05.10 EDTFirst published on Wed 3 Jun 2026 05.09 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleDavid Cameron offered Boris Johnson a senior Cabinet position in return for campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum, it has been revealedIn the event, and with four months to go before the vote, Johnson transformed the terms of the debate by…
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