The latest furore centres on allegations that up to a dozen gatherings at Chequers and No 10 were held during lockdown after new details were referred to the police by the Cabinet Office.
In a plot twist worthy of the stage, the gatherings were highlighted by Mr Johnson’s own government-appointed lawyers who were trawling through the ex-PM’s diaries in preparation for the forthcoming Covid inquiry. The new claims are now being assessed by both Scotland Yard and Thames Valley Police.
Mr Johnson, who sacked his legal team on the spot, is understood to be both “furious” and “in despair” about getting dragged into fresh questions about Partygate – and does not think he did anything wrong, according to one source. Another friend said the ex-PM was angry and worried about the Cabinet Office passing on evidence to police.
The row has sparked a Westminster guessing game about who may have visited Mr Johnson at the grace-and-favour Buckinghamshire mansion between June 2020 and May 2021 – the dates being looked at by police. It also raises new scrutiny over those close to Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie who may have been invited to the house near Aylesbury during the period in question.
The diaries passed to Cabinet Office officials reveal visits by family and friends to Chequers during the pandemic, according to The Times, which first reported the story. The former PM’s sister Rachel Johnson has suggested she visited during the Covid pandemic – telling LBC this week that “as far as I’m aware, all the rules were followed whenever I went to Chequers”.
This story is from the May 26, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 26, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England's selection issues in a defining year for Stokes
England’s busiest year of Test cricket finished with a bang. Just not the type they were after.
Jesus scores hat-trick to secure Arsenal comeback
Gabriel Jesus scored a second-half hat-trick as Arsenal staged an impressive fightback to book their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace.
Reds survive late surge to reach Carabao Cup semis
After a full and imposing pre-season under his belt, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott had lofty ambitions this season. Could he crack a regular starting spot? The diminutive left-footed playmaker, signed amid so much promise from Fulham five years ago, certainly would not have anticipated his first start of the season coming in mid-December. But on a torrential night on the south coast, Elliott shone brightest as the Carabao Cup holders, ultimately, sneaked through at Southampton last night.
Rashford's love affair with Man Utd nears its sad end
Forward ready for a new challenge’ after baffling slump
Inflation is up again... and it's fired by 'greedflation'
With inflation jumping to 2.6 per cent, is it time to start discussing \"greedflation\"? This was a hot topic a year ago when critics said companies were failing to pass on the falling costs they were benefitting from as inflation came down. Even the Bank of England voiced concern.
Edgar-Jones misses mark in Tennessee Williams classic
The star of 'Normal People' fails to achieve emotional lift-off in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' stage return, writes Alice Saville
Fergie may be the key to a peaceful palace Christmas
When it comes to royal ructions, Prince Andrew is the gift that keeps on giving. Step forward someone not traditionally known for being the voice of calm, writes Harry Mount
It's no Holiday living in a 'perfect' Cotswolds cottage
If the classic Christmas romcom makes you fantasise about moving to a beautiful old house in the countryside, then Simon Mills, who just did that, has this warning for you
This 'cuspy Waspi' woman is furious at Labour's deceit
\"I've always been pleased that I was born at the end of the Fifties. It was a time when you could easily get a GP appointment, and when schools had new buildings. War-time rationing was over. Clothes were colourful, toys were plentiful, and I had the Sixties music of The Beatles, Dusty Springfield and The Monkees as the soundtrack of my childhood.
Musk-Farage meeting hands a political gift to Starmer
The talks between Nigel Farage and Elon Musk at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida have highlighted the urgent need to reform the UK's archaic rules on how political parties are funded. No money for Reform UK was agreed and Farage described reports of a $100m donation by Musk as \"for the birds\".
