THE SNP have said Boris Johnson is “living on another planet” following revelations about spending on his Downing Street flat.
The party are demanding transparency from the Prime Minister, as they urge him to publish bank statements and ensure full disclosure.
The SNP claim Johnson is “completely out of touch” with millions of families as more details of his suspicious spending spree emerged overnight.
This comes amid claims that Johnson had told friends he needs to earn £300,000 a year minimum just to stay afloat.
The SNP’s Westminster deputy leader, Kirsten Oswald, said: "Boris Johnson must be living on another planet if he's whingeing about his dodgy-donor funded luxury lifestyle - when millions of families are struggling to get by as a result of Tory cuts.
"The growing sleaze scandal demonstrates, yet again, that the Tories are only in it for themselves and are completely out of touch with the majority of people across Scotland - who will find Johnson's comments utterly insulting.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson sleaze scandals ‘will help secure election win’, SNP insiders say
"The Prime Minister must publish his bank statements, all relevant documents and correspondence relating to his dodgy donor flat renovations, and other donation-funded income and expenditure, to ensure full transparency and assist inquiries and criminal investigations.
"If he fails, the stench of sleaze will continue to surround this Tory government - and Johnson could become the first serving Prime Minister to be interviewed under caution by the police and even prosecuted.”
It comes as the Sunday Times revealed the Tory party paid £58,000 for Johnson’s flat renovations, overseen by boho-chic designer Lulu Lytle.
However, this was on top of £30,000 that was funded by taxpayer’s money and is reserved for renovations to the residence.
The total refurbishment might have cost as much as £200,000, with reports a second invoice was paid by a Tory donor directly to the supplier.
READ MORE: Scottish election 2021: Nicola Sturgeon top priority is ending lockdown
It was also revealed that Johnson has received at least £28,000 in personal gifts and donations since he became Prime Minister – including a £15,000 trip to the Mustique island in the Caribbean in December 2019.
The trip is being investigated by the parliamentary commissioner for standards.
Tory donors have also reportedly been approached to pay for Johnson’s nanny, personal trainer, and personal chef.
Additionally, the register of ministerial interests hasn’t been updated since July last year, which leaves taxpayers unaware of Johnson’s income and financial interests.
This is a potential breach of the ministerial code.
READ MORE: Douglas Ross says 'of course' Boris Johnson should resign if he broke ministerial code
The Prime Minister has a basic salary of £157,372 plus thousands in royalties and personal gifts, making him one of the highest earners in the UK.
Oswald concluded: "The Tories might think that the rules don't apply to them but people in Scotland can prove they are not untouchable by voting SNP on Thursday to put Scotland's future in Scotland's hands - not Boris Johnson's."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel