Boris Johnson said there is not “anything to see here” over a watchdog probe into the funding of a lavish revamp of his Downing Street flat.
The Prime Minister described the row over allegations that he solicited donations to cover £58,000 worth of works to his flat at the behest of his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, a “farrago of nonsense”.
Johnson was speaking after the Electoral Commission launched an investigation into the refurbishment and said there were grounds to suspect an offence may have been committed over the payment for the redecoration.
The Prime Minister said he would cooperate fully with the investigation.
He told reporters on a visit to a school on Thursday: “We will comply with whatever they want and I don’t think there is anything to see here, or to worry about.
“But what we are doing is focusing on the stuff that really matters.”
The watchdog has the power to issue fines of up to £20,000 or to refer matters to the police.
It could also request evidence such as emails and Whatsapps from the PM, his fiancee Carrie Symonds and other senior Tory figures.
Johnson also insisted he was a fan of the John Lewis, when asked about reports he and Symonds had rejected the furnishings left in the No 11 flat by Theresa May.
In a Tatler magazine piece, allies of Symonds reportedly called it a “John Lewis nightmare”.
Johnson said: “The one thing I object to in this whole farrago of nonsense is I love John Lewis. But what I will say is what people want this government to do is focus on their priorities.”
Labour has called for the new adviser on ministerial standards, Christopher Geidt, to be given independent powers to launch investigations and recommend sanctions, a power that still ultimately lies with Johnson.
Liz Kendall, the shadow care minister, said the current arrangement gave the prime minister too much power to decide on how investigations are determined.
