General election: Boris Johnson criticised for using ‘crude’ biblical insult against Corbyn

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson has been accused of descending to “crude insults” in the general election battle after using a lewd biblical term in an attack on Jeremy Corbyn. In his first keynote speech of the election campaign on Wednesday, the prime minister will accuse the Labour leader of political “onanism” – an arcane word meaning masturbation. But he will follow up on his reference to the movie Groundhog Day – in which the same day is repeated on an endless loop – by recycling well-worn slogans about “getting Brexit done” and avoiding a “horror show” coalition between Mr Corbyn and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon. And he will say: “We can honour the wishes of the people, or else we can waste more time, at the cost of a billion pounds per month, and have two more referendums, one on Scotland and one on the EU – an expense of spirit and a waste of shame, more political self-obsession and onanism.” Responding to the prime minister’s comment, a Labour source said: “We’re not bothered by Johnson’s obscure, crude insults because we’ve got our eyes on the prize – real change for the many not the few.” Speaking at an electric vehicle manufacturer in the West Midlands, Mr Johnson will admit that countries around the world are “baffled” that the UK has squandered three years of time and energy on the Brexit debate.