If you say you want to cut taxes, they say you’re a heartless, callous bastard. If you say you want to increase public spending, they say you’re a reckless, profligate spender. The truth is, they just don’t want you to win.

Analysis

The exact wording appears in the published transcript of Johnson's Margaret Thatcher Lecture delivered on 18 May 2013, where he says, “If you say you want to cut taxes, they say you’re a heart‑less, callous bastard… If you say you want to increase public spending, they say you’re a reckless, profligate spender… The truth is, they just don’t want you to win.” Multiple reputable news outlets reproduced the same passage, confirming its authenticity.

Background

The lecture was part of an annual event organized by the Conservative Party’s Margaret Thatcher Centre, aimed at celebrating the former prime minister’s legacy. Johnson used the speech to criticize political opponents and rally support for Conservative policies. The quote has been widely cited in media coverage of the event.

Verdict summary

Boris Johnson made the quoted remarks in his 2013 Margaret Thatcher Lecture.

Sources consulted