Victims of Jimmy Savile called on Boris Johnson to withdraw his attack on Sir Keir Starmer, a lawyer who represented some of them said.

Mr Johnson made the comments on Monday when he lashed out at the Labour leader, a former director of public prosecutions, during Commons clashes about the report on alleged lockdown-busting parties in No 10.

As he battled to defend himself from the partygate row, Mr Johnson claimed Sir Keir “used his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile”.

Richard Scorer, head of abuse and public inquiries at law firm Slater and Gordon, said: “I echo the widespread disgust at what we saw and heard in the House of Commons yesterday as Boris Johnson tried to distract from the Sue Gray update.

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Bournemouth Echo: Leader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, in the Commons on Monday. Picture: PALeader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, in the Commons on Monday. Picture: PA

“As one of the lawyers who represented many of Savile’s victims, I can confirm that these allegations against Sir Keir Starmer are completely unfounded and unjustified.

“Sir Keir did more than any other director of public prosecutions to advance the rights of victims.

“No DPP can control every decision.

“The Crown Prosecution Service was much better under his leadership.

“Victims of Savile I have spoken with today have told me that they want Johnson to withdraw these comments and apologise and I call upon him to do that right away.”

“Weaponising their suffering to get out of a political hole is disgraceful.”

He added: “As one of the lawyers who represented many of Savile’s victims, I can confirm that these allegations against Sir Keir Starmer are completely unfounded and unjustified.”

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Savile died in 2011 aged 84 having never been brought to justice for his crimes.

He is now believed to be one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders.

A 2016 report into his abuse found staff at the BBC missed numerous opportunities to stop him.