Downing Street changes switchboard message after Michael Gove reveals number
The minister told voters they could call the number to find out Boris Johnson’s diary details.
Downing Street has been forced to change its telephone switchboard message after a Cabinet minister invited members of the public to ring up to find out the Prime Minister’s diary details.
Michael Gove told BBC Radio 5 Live listeners to call Number 10 – and read out the number – after he was asked about the chances of Boris Johnson taking part in an interview with the corporation’s veteran journalist Andrew Neil.
Presenter Chris Warburton said: “On a scale of one to 10, what’s the chance of the Andrew Neil interview with Boris Johnson happening? Just give us a number?”
Mr Gove replied: “I think the number would be 0207 930 4433 – that’s the Downing Street number, and if you ring the Prime Minister’s diary secretary, he will know or she will know what the Prime Minister is going to do, I am not the Prime Minister’s diary secretary.”
Callers are now told: “You have reached the Downing Street switchboard.
“Unfortunately we are unable to give out any information relating to the Prime Minister’s diary on this phone line.
“To listen to further contact details, please press one.”
Mr Johnson has been accused of “running scared” from scrutiny by avoiding in-depth questioning by Neil, even though rival leaders, including Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, have taken part.