Boris Johnson “looked like he was swimming in oatmeal,” body language expert says

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s body language came under scrutiny by expert Judi James, who described him as a man looking almost exhausted after a matinee performance

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Boris Johnson holds a press conference on the Sue Gray report

Boris Johnson looked like “a man swimming in mush” as he hit back at questions over Sue Grey’s scathing report.

The prime minister’s words, tone and body language came under scrutiny as he asked questions at a news conference following his brave performance at PMQs.

He refused to step down, telling ministers “it’s my job to get on with my work and deliver” after photos emerged of him raising a glass at a Downing Street party during lockdown.

Only one Tory MP broke cover today to urge Mr Johnson to step down as Cabinet willingly line up behind him.

Body language expert Judi James analyzed the stricken PM – and it’s not a pretty read

His phrase “let’s be absolutely clear” was thrown out like a life raft when asked about the recent scandal, going “um” and “um”.

Leading body language and communication expert Judi James examined Mr Johnson’s performance and compared him to “a man swimming in oatmeal”.

“Boris has used a lot of two-handed cupping gestures in the House of Commons and they’ve reappeared on press questions,” she added.

“The gesture suggests someone is trying to explain, plead or persuade, although the palms are not visible as they could be in a more open gesture.

Mr Johnson is facing fresh calls for his resignation following the publication of Sue Gray’s account of a party at Downing Street during the national lockdown.

Conservative MP Julian Sturdy said the report “clearly shows that the Prime Minister has presided over a widespread culture of disregard for coronavirus regulations”.

The York Outer MP added: “While I felt it important to await the conclusion of the Metropolitan Police investigation and the release of the Sue Gray report, I cannot and do not give the Prime Minister the benefit of the doubt now that this is the case, there is a public interest in his resignation.”

Mr Sturdy’s comments came as the Prime Minister met with the 1922 Tory backbench committee to win back his party’s confidence.

Most Tory backbenchers have been quiet since Ms Gray’s report was released on Wednesday morning.

The content urged Mr Johnson to take “accountability” for the boozy culture at No10 during the lockdown.

Later that day, Mr Johnson answered questions from journalists at a press conference in Downing Street.

Regarding his actions, the Prime Minister said he takes “full responsibility” while looking to his side.

Body language expert Ms James slammed the admission, which she said did not involve a candid look at the camera, but instead an “evasive look down”.

“‘I am humbled by what happened’ was delivered in a harsh tone and again with her eyes cut off,” she added.

“In the House of Commons this claim of being ‘humiliated’ even had to be corrected.

“His claim of ‘upholding morals and essential duties of leadership’ came with a twitch at the press conference, lips curled inward as if the words would hurt him as he spoke.”

The language expert joked how Mr Johnson looked like he was “lifting and shifting invisible bricks with his hands” in a ritual that suggested he was trying to stack his points neatly and fail.

“The overall picture during the press barbecue was that of a man who had performed a midday matinee and was now almost exhausted for the evening performance,” she added.

“Even the PMQs contained lint. He had to correct the rather friendly ‘Sue’ to ‘Sue Grey’.

“And after claiming ‘we’re humbled and we’ve learned our lesson,’ he seemed to look around before correcting, ‘I’m humbled and we’ve learned my lesson.'”

The press conference comes after bombshell photos emerged of Mr Johnson raising a glass of fizz at a No10 party, which he specifically denied.

He is accused of lying to Parliament after four pictures, first released by ITV News, showed him with helpers at a table laden with alcohol and party food.

Sources told both ITV and the Mirror that they were taken to a farewell party for his communications chief Lee Cain on November 13, 2020.

Indoor social gatherings between people who are not from the same household have been banned.

However, the Prime Minister appears to have been pictured toasting next to a table with two bottles of champagne or cava, four bottles of wine and half a bottle of gin.

The Mirror revealed last week that Mr Johnson was not investigated over the gathering and was therefore not fined.