How The 'Chaotic' Johnsons Clashed With Chequers Staff

Even before Boris Johnson formally succeeded Theresa May as prime minister in 2019 there were problems over his use, or what some regarded as his abuse, of Chequers.

- SIMON WALTERS

It led to the resignation of the head housekeeper after claims of tensions with Carrie Johnson.

Charlotte Vine MBE, who first worked at the prime minister’s official country residence in 2004, left with a payoff in 2020 after signing a non-disclosure agreement.

On a lighter note, Mr Johnson called for someone to “please shoot that fucking dog” after damage caused by his terrier Dilyn at the 16th-century Buckinghamshire Manor house left him with a four-figure repair bill.

Relations between Mrs Johnson and Chequers head housekeeper Charlotte Vine were said to have deteriorated to such an extent that the prime minister’s wife refused to stay there when she was on duty.

The two women are said to have fallen out after Carrie Johnson made a personal accusation against Vine, which she denied.

The Johnsons are also said to have clashed with other Chequers staff over their “chaotic” use of the property.

Furthermore, cuts in the number of servants at Chequers ordered by David Cameron a decade ago during the austerity era were reversed under Mr Johnson.

It is believed up to four extra members of staff were taken on while he was prime minister.

The allegations of discontent involving staff echoed last year’s report into the Downing Street “partygate” scandal by former Whitehall ethics chief Sue Gray, which said that there had been a “lack of respect and poor treatment” for cleaners and security staff.

Miss Vine was said to have found her departure from Chequers “traumatic”.