BORIS Johnson personally paid ‘thousands for Mustique holiday’ with Carrie Symonds, pals have claimed.
The Prime Minister had listed the trip as a “benefit in kind” on the Commons register of interest, naming the donor as phone tycoon David Ross.
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However, questions were then asked after Mr Ross’s spin doctor claimed the multi-millionaire actually hadn’t paid a penny for it.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Ross was then seen entering No 10 after the two stories clashed.
Less than 24 hours later he then released a statement confirming Mr Johnson’s version of events.
A spokesman said: “Mr Ross facilitated accommodation for Mr Johnson on Mustique valued at £15,000.
“Therefore this is a benefit in kind from Mr Ross to Mr Johnson, and Mr Johnson’s declaration to the House of Commons is correct.”
Downing Street insisted that Mr Ross’s visit was a coincidence, and he did not meet Mr Johnson or discuss Mustique.
Allies of Mr Johnson yesterday suggested he had “paid his way” for food, drink staff and flights during the trip.
He had flown to St Lucia with Carrie Symonds on Boxing Day, meeting the island’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet before travelling to Mystique by twin-propeller plane.
Under parliamentary rules, MPs must identify anyone who has done them a financial favour.
On January 27 he declared in the MPs’ register of interests that his holiday accommodation was a gift from Mr Ross.
Mr Johnson stated: “Accommodation for a private holiday for my partner and me, value £15,000.”
Sarah Richardson, the American owner of the villa where Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds did stay, declared this week her husband Craig had rented the villa out but did not know who paid him.
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Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Jon Trickett has demanded a parliamentary inquiry.
He said: “It is not good enough for the PM’s friends to say this.
“Mr Johnson must come clean and correct his declaration in the MPs’ register of interests.
“Anything less is unacceptable.”
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