Boris v Paxman: the Newsnight clashes viewers did not see

Political theatre: Boris Johnson clashed with Jeremy Paxman
12 April 2012

Boris Johnson has clashed with the BBC's Jeremy Paxman over the presenter's reputed £1million salary, challenging him to publish full details of his cost to the taxpayer.

The Mayor hit out at the Newsnight and University Challenge host for the failure of the BBC to come clean on the wages of its highest-paid "talent".

Newsnight last night screened an interview which featured both men locking horns on a range of subjects, including a brief section where Mr Johnson tackled Paxman about his pay.

But sources close to the Mayor pointed out that key parts of the exchange, particularly where he questions Paxman, were not transmitted.

In what insiders described as "fantastic political theatre", Mr Johnson clashed repeatedly with his interviewer over his stance on an EU referendum, on his membership of Oxford University's Bullingdon Club and on David Cameron's public image.

Mr Johnson raised the issue of Paxman's pay, saying: "You are paid elephantine sums by the taxpayer."

Paxman replied: "If only that were true. You don't know [what I earn]. I should stop making assertions."

In unscreened exchanges, Mr Johnson pointed out that Londoners could see how much he earned as Mayor but licence-fee payers were not allowed similar transparency. At one point, Mr Johnson said: "Why don't you get a proper job?"

When asked about drunken antics in his Oxford days, the Mayor replied: "Ask me a serious question..."

At one point, Mr Johnson ignored Paxman and addressed the camera directly to defend his leader. "David Cameron is an alpha bloke," he said.

A BBC spokesman said: "Anyone watching the programme, rather than simply a report about it, will have seen a robust and lengthy interview that featured a light hearted exchange where Jeremy was questioned about his salary.

"It was a pre-recorded interview that was edited to fit the programme and fairly reflected all the issues covered."

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