Facts

Johnson pledged to give “unqualified support” to his successor but in the same speech criticised the plans of his (at that time) potential successor Liz Truss MP, who in late August had pledged to “end the effective ban on extracting our huge reserves of shale gas by fracking”.

By September 1st, then Johnson made his remark, Liz Truss was all but certain to replace Johnson as Tory leader.

Johnson said in the speech: “If we could frack effectively and cheaply in this country, that would be possibly a very beneficial thing. I’m just, I have to say, slightly dubious that it will prove to be a panacea.” 

Verdict

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised “unqualified support” to his successor and then proved the promise insincere later in the same speech. 

We emailed Boris Johnson's office offering him the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.