THE CHARM of Boris Johnson has not convinced all his former constituents to follow him in supporting the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union.

Residents down Thame High Street waded in on the debate after their former MP and current Mayor of London decided to back the “out” campaign ahead of June’s landmark referendum on the country’s membership.

Landlord of The James Figg pub Tom Goldsmith said the politician’s personality would not be enough to back him.

The 37-year-old said: “I am sure he has got his reasons for what he is doing, but it is all propaganda. As much as people like him, they do not take him very seriously.

“I do like him, but I’m not going to vote for the ‘out’ campaign just because he is backing it.”

Mr Johnson was MP for Henley between 2001 and 2008 and is now one of six cabinet members to support the Brexit campaign.

Thame town councillor Helena Fickling said personalities needed to be taken out of politics for residents to make an informed decision.

She said: “I think it would be very helpful if the media of all sorts stopped focusing on the personality involved and instead focused on the facts. I am firmly for staying in the European Union because I am in business and I can see the benefits.”

Florist Kathryn Virdi said she would have to read up on both sides of the argument before the referendum on June 23. The 41-year-old said: “I was really thinking we should stay, but now Boris has thrown a spanner in the works. I think some people who really like Boris will go with what he says because he is that much of a public character.

“But I am surprised about Boris’ decision. I thought he and Cameron were book ends and singing from the same hymn sheet. I think he will have an effect to what people think but if I had to vote straight away today I would trust the Prime Minister.”

Mr Johnson still had some staunch supporters who were also waving the exit flag.

Mike Holland, 69, a retired mechanic, said: “I am all for coming out. With the amount of money we give to the EU you could pay off the cost of the national debt.”

Over the weekend Oxford politicians voiced their views on the referendum with Nicola Blackwood, MP for West Oxford and Abingdon, Labour MEP for the South East, Anneliese Dodds and MP for Didcot and Wantage, Ed Vaizey all supporting the ‘in’ campaign.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith has since pledged his support to the “in” campaign.

Catherine Bearder, Liberal Democrat MEP, said: “Oxford University is the second biggest recipient of EU science funding in the whole of Europe. By staying in the EU we can secure Oxford’s place as a centre of cutting-edge research. Those calling for a Brexit want us to jump like lemmings off a cliff, but they have no clue what is on the other side.”

It comes as David Cameron addressed the House of Commons yesterday to lay out his argument for why Britain was better off in the European Union.

YOUR VIEW

Grace Hebditch, 21, from Headington

Oxford Mail:

At first I thought it would be to our advantage to stay in. But I am starting to come round that out may be the way.

Darayus Motivala, 68, from Thame

Oxford Mail:

I’m sorry Boris has gone for the ‘out’ campaign because I think the benefits for us are far greater than if we left the EU.

Rex Hamer, 75, from Thame

Oxford Mail:

I have not decided yet because I do not have enough information. I’d probably like to stay in but it all depends on what they present to us. 

Ian Erridge, 49 and Louise Hope, 51, of, Thame

Oxford Mail:

We just want to know both sides of the argument. The big thing nationally is immigration.