GLOVES OFF
THE gloves were off as Boris Johnson and Michael Gove revealed their seething rivalry with punching gestures, a body language expert told The Sun.
During the live BBC debate, the final five rowed displayed a host of unconscious movements - with Boris seeming to gradually become submissive to Gove's aggressive stance.
10
10
10
10
According to body language expert Judi James, Gove had turned down his state of aggressive arousal tonight in a bid to look more reasonable.
But for Boris, who swatted firmly on his stool, he seemed to show a hint of potential collusion with the environment secretary by openly agreeing with some of his points.
She said: "Gove's brows raised in a gesture of authority he delivered his points using precision gestures held high to suggest forensic, detailed plans for Brexit or Tony Blair’s thumb of power to hint his take on all-comers.
"His posturing was in direct contrast to Boris who squatted firmly on his stool, using the clunking fist of power to emphasise his own points.
"Both men looked fond of their punching gestures but they didn’t use them on one another, instead there was a slight hint of potential collusion in the air.
"Boris openly agreed with some of Gove’s points and Gove began to mirror Boris’s poses, suggesting a subliminal sense of submission or rapport."
His posturing was in direct contrast to Boris who squatted firmly on his stool, using the clunking fist of power to emphasise his own points
Judi James
Boris also nodded along with Gove, in what appeared to be a newly-found rapport. But for Gove, his high-held gated hand gestures created a wall or barrier effect to suggest he might prefer to keep the power and glory to himself.
"Hunt sat between the two men, sounding less calm and assured than he had on Sunday while Javid took on Rory by playing him at his own game.
Rory Stewart goes commando by taking his tie off in the Conservative Leadership Debate
According to Judi, nobody helped Boris out when he was asked about the power of words and forced into a very brusque apology but there was no sign of gloating from Gove either.
Both men had clearly tried to up their status levels with no 10 so close within their grasp, with Boris toning down the comedy and Gove the over-acted anger.
MOST READ IN NEWS
BoJo tried to avoid making any gaffes in an uncharacteristically low-key performance as his four remaining challengers tried to land blows on him in his first live TV appearance of the campaign.
But viewers blasted the format claiming it was failing to explore the issues in proper detail.
And they accused the presenter Ms Maitlis of being tougher on Boris than on any other candidate.
10
10
10
10
10
10
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.