TORY education spokesman Boris Johnson is at the centre of fresh controversy after he appeared to denounce TV chef Jamie Oliver for trying to promote a healthy diet for schoolchildren.

Mr Johnson was reported to have told a fringe meeting: "I would ban sweets from school - but this pressure to bring in healthy food is too much."

The BBC reported that Mr Johnson backed mothers passing children junk food through schoolyard railings, saying: "I say let people eat what they like. Why shouldn't they push pies through the railings?"

Later Mr Johnson said: "I have been completely misquoted. Jamie Oliver is a national hero. What I said was `let them eat liver and bacon'."