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London Mayor Boris Johnson turns against PM Cameron and backs Brexit

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London Mayor Boris Johnson is once again testing ties with his old friend and Prime Minister David Cameron. Photo: AFP

London Mayor Boris Johnson has long been both ally and nemesis to Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron and now appears to have dealt his old friend the heaviest blow yet.

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The BBC reported on Sunday that Johnson will back the campaign for Britain to leave the EU.

“Boris will campaign to leave the EU,” the BBC’s political editor Laura Kuenssberg said on Twitter without citing any sources. One source with knowledge of Johnson’s decision confirmed to Reuters that he would back the ‘out’ campaign.

READ MORE: Britain to hold historic EU membership referendum in June, says PM David Cameron

The leave campaign currently lacks a unifying figurehead but now Johnson has announced his support, it will be a major boost for the outers – and a significant blow for Cameron, who he could eventually succeed as Conservative leader.

With his shock of blond hair and frequent gaffes, Johnson, 51, is one of Britain’s most recognisable politicians, known to millions simply as Boris or “BoJo”.

His witty quips and shambolic appearance make him popular even with voters who do not share his political views.

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London Mayor Boris Johnson arrives back at his home in London, Britain February 21, 2016. Prime Minister David Cameron has been urging Johnson not to join the campaign for a British exit from the European Union. Photo: Reuters
London Mayor Boris Johnson arrives back at his home in London, Britain February 21, 2016. Prime Minister David Cameron has been urging Johnson not to join the campaign for a British exit from the European Union. Photo: Reuters
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