Former Prime Minister David Cameron reportedly offered Boris Johnson a senior Cabinet position in an attempt to secure his support for the Remain campaign ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum, according to newly revealed claims.

The disclosure has reignited debate over the intense political maneuvering that took place behind the scenes during one of the most consequential periods in modern British politics. At the time, divisions within the Conservative Party over Britain’s membership in the European Union created deep political tensions, with Johnson ultimately becoming one of the most prominent figures backing the Leave campaign.

Reports suggest Cameron believed Johnson’s support for remaining in the European Union could have significantly influenced public opinion and altered the course of the referendum campaign. Despite the reported offer, Johnson chose to support Brexit, a decision that reshaped UK politics and eventually helped propel him to the leadership of the Conservative Party and later to the role of Prime Minister.

The renewed focus on conversations between the two political figures has sparked fresh discussion about how political alliances and strategic decisions influenced the referendum result, which saw the UK vote to leave the European Union.