BORIS Johnson must release the findings of a parliament standards watchdog report into the mystery bill for his Mustique holiday, the SNP say.
According to newspaper reports today, commissioner for standards Kathryn Stone believes the Prime Minister’s luxury Caribbean getaway was worth significantly more than the £15k he declared in the Commons register.
Stone also said the bill for the 2019 trip with fiancée Carrie Symonds was not picked up by Tory donor David Ross as Johnson has claimed.
The Tory leader has reportedly suppressed the report for months, in the hope of having the findings overturned and avoiding being suspended as an MP.
The SNP’s depute leader Kirsten Oswald (below) said the news shows the “rank stench of sleaze” around Johnson is growing increasingly stronger.
“Whether it’s Covid contracts for cronies, texts for tax breaks, cash for curtains, or £30,000 luxury holidays paid for by mystery donors, there is something rank rotten at the heart of his government,” she commented.
“The latest allegation that he has suppressed for months a devastating report into his finances seriously undermines trust in politics and politicians. He must publish in full the watchdog’s findings immediately.
“The public has a right to expect their Prime Minister to know if his luxury freebie to a private Caribbean island was worth £15,000 or £30,000. The public also deserve to know who actually paid for it - along with the reported £200,000 to cover the lavish refurbishments of his official flat and for a personal nanny, cook and trainer.”
The MP added that her party will continue to press for a full independent inquiry into Tory sleaze allegations.
READ MORE: SNP demand Johnson release bank statements in Tory donor row
“He may believe otherwise but the rules also apply to this sleaze-ridden Prime Minister,” she said.
A spokesperson for Ross 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 Commons declaration is correct.”
A Downing Street spokesperson added: “The PM transparently declared the benefit in kind in the Commons Register of Interests. The Cabinet Office was aware of the declaration and was content it was appropriate.
“A spokesman for Mr Ross confirmed the PM's declaration is correct and the accommodation was facilitated as a donation in kind.”
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