Johnson refuses to disclose the number of his sons

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday he would not reveal the number of his sons, adding he would not make them "the focus of attention" ahead of December 12 elections.

"I love my children very much but they are not running in this election so I will not comment, I will not make them the center of attention in this election," said Johnson, whose passionate career has attracted the attention of British newspapers in the past.

Asked if he would have more children, Johnson, 55, who lives at Downing Street government headquarters with his girlfriend Carrie Simmonds after separating from his wife last year, said: "I will not have discussions about these things."

Visit Trump
On the election as well, Johnson said it is better not to interfere with US President Donald Trump in the upcoming elections when he visits London to attend the NATO summit next week.

"What we don't usually do as close allies and friends is to interfere in each other's election campaigns," said Johnson, whose Conservatives lead polls ahead of the election.

"The best thing to do when there are close friends and allies like the United States and Britain is that no side interferes in the other side's elections," he said.

But Trump already ran in that election, saying in October that opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would be a "very bad" choice for Britain and that Johnson should strike a deal with Brexit leader Nigel Virag.

Corbin took advantage of Trump's praise for Johnson to attack the Conservatives in his campaign and said they would sell parts of the widely popular state-run National Health Service to US companies after Britain leaves the European Union if they win the election.

Britain's Sun newspaper reported on Friday that senior Conservative leaders feared the president would say during his two-day visit that could adversely affect their campaign.

Trump has not shied away from engaging in British politics during previous visits, including his criticism of former Prime Minister Theresa May's policy of secession from the EU.