Boris Johnson has denied suggestions that he lied to the Conservative leader over reports of an affair with journalist Petronella Wyatt.

Speaking on Monday, the Henley MP insisted "I did not mislead Michael Howard."

His comments contradict a statement issued by the party explaining why Johnson had been sacked from his frontbench role as culture spokesman.

Johnson, who also edits the Spectator magazine, last week dismissed claims of an affair as "piffle".

However when Wyatt's mother appeared to confirm the News of the World's version of events Howard decided Johnson's position was untenable.

Deputy leader Michael Ancram said Johnson had been forced out for being "less than frank".

"It was not about his private life and I think it is right that we don't necessarily intrude into people's private lives," he told Breakfast with Frost on Sunday.

"It was about something more central than that. Michael Howard for a long time has been talking about the need to restore people's trust in the honesty and integrity of politics.

"Where Boris was less than frank, that was what could not be sustained.

"In the end Michael, when he realised Boris had not been frank with him, had to let him go."

Meanwhile, shadow defence secretary Nicholas Soames praised his "great personal friend" and insisted Johnson's political career was not over.

Soames declined to endorse the decision to sack him, saying that it was a matter for the Tory leader.

"I'm very, very sad and sorry for Boris. It is a very bad moment," he told Sky's Sunday with Adam Boulton.

"But don't let's forget this is one of the most brilliant and amusing and interesting men of his generation.

"All I can say is Boris's political days are certainly not over."