Tory Conference: Boris Johnson addresses David Cameron

The mayor of London drew on a "blond-haired mop" description from the prime minister, by saying David Cameron was a broom.

After wishing the PM a happy birthday, the mayor described leading cabinet figures as a brush and sponge saying they made up the "household implements so effective on the floor of the House".

Addressing the Tory conference, he said: "If I am a mop, Dave, then you are a broom cleaning up the mess left by the last Labour government."

Mr Johnson has been pledging his loyalty to the prime minister, after newspaper suggestions - which he denied - claiming he may mount a leadership challenge.