Tory candidate Boris Johnson faced a fresh row over his drug use today after he said he had "abortively" tried cocaine.

Mr Johnson has been at the centre of a controversy in recent weeks over whether or not he had used the illegal drug or knew what it was at the time.

Under repeated questioning today he refused to clarify the situation, simply repeating that he was "passionately" against drugs. But earlier he told Sky News: "I once abortively, and I stress abortively, attempted what I was told was cocaine. I have no idea whether it was or not because I'm afraid none of it produced any effect on me whatever."

Mr Johnson denied earlier this month he had ever used the drug.

• 

  The first date debate: who picks up the bill?

  We ask two young singles where they stand on divvying up for drinks and dinner this Valentine's Day

  ---

• 

  Chris Powell: racist abuse between players was accepted in my day

  Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager is pleased the issue is now being addressed but says the authorities still have plenty of work to do

  ---