I didn't read it that way. Boris trying to characterize the campaign as being pro-control rather than anti-immigration seems to be an attempt to extend an olive branch to the remainers rather than an attempt to do a 180 on immigration.

He is about to enter a leadership contest and is hoping for votes from tory members of the remain campaign.

He might do a 180 on immigration but I wouldn't say this is evidence of it, and he likely knows he'll pay a heavy price come next elections if he does (assuming he wins leadership).

The other guy who actually is backpedaling is just an MEP whom I'm pretty sure nobody gives a fuck about.