Boris Johnson rapped for 'fatphobic' joke aimed at SNP’s Ian Blackford during PMQs

Boris Johnson has been accused of "body-shaming" the SNP's Westminster leader after appearing to joke about his weight during Prime Minister's Questions.

Ian Blackford again challenged Mr Johnson to resign over “partygate” and alluded to allegations that the Prime Minister attended a short party to celebrate his birthday in June 2020, during the first lockdown.

Mr Johnson's wife, Carrie, is said to have presented him with a cake and Mr Blackford tried to link this with the cost of living crisis.

Attacking the Tory Government, the Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP said: "The impending National Insurance tax hike hangs like a guillotine while they eat cake."

In response, the Prime Minister appeared to joke about Mr Blackford's appearance, saying: "I don't know ... who has been eating more cake."

The SNP reacted with fury to the jibe after Prime Minister's Questions concluded, with Kirsten Oswald, Mr Blackford's deputy, claiming it proved that Mr Johnson was "completely unfit for office".

She said: "Whether it's his body-shaming jokes, his racism, his homophobia or his wider misconduct in public office, Mr Johnson is giving people another telling insight into his odious character.

"The Prime Minister's frequently offensive remarks will have a damaging impact on many young people and need to be called out.

"He is sending an appalling message to society, that the most powerful person in the UK Government thinks it's okay to mock people because of their bodies, race, sexual orientation and religion."

Tom Quinn, director of external affairs for eating disorder charity Beat, said: "It is completely unacceptable that the Prime Minister should resort to making fatphobic comments.

"We would urge the Prime Minister to educate himself on the seriousness of these mental illnesses and limit his comments of other MPs to their actions, not their appearances."