Boris Johnson continues to come under fire as it was revealed he personally asked for more funds for his flat refurbishment – despite claiming, three months later, that he knew nothing about it, an investigation has found.
The astonishing revelation – in a report fining the Tories £17,800 for breaking electoral law – triggered a Labour allegation that the PM has “lied to the British public” over the controversy, and that he should consider resigning if this is found to be true.
No 10, on the other hand, insists Mr Johnson did no wrong, saying he “acted in accordance” with the rules and made all the “necessary declarations” in relation to his flat’s makeover. Asked today if the PM lied to ministerial standards adviser Lord Geidt, over knowledge that a Tory peer was behind donations, and the public, his official spokesman replied simply: “No.”
It comes after it was revealed, by paymaster general Michael Ellis, that the investigation into a Christmas party held at 10 Downing Street on 18 December last year will be widened to examine reports of a separate gathering on 27 November and another at the Department for Education on 10 December.
