No10 silent on claim Tory donors were asked to fund nanny for PM's son

Downing Street silent on claims that Tory donors were asked to fund a nanny for Boris Johnson’s son Wilfred as Labour accuses the Prime Minister of trying to ‘fund his lifestyle through secret payments’

• PM under fire over claim he sought financial help to fund childcare for Wilfred
• Reports at the weekend cited a donor who said they had been approached 
• Spokesman told reporters today that Mr Johnson covered all childcare costs
• But refused to confirm or deny donors were originally approached for money 

Downing Street today refused to deny claims that Tory donors were asked to stump up cash to pay for a nanny to look after Boris Johnson’s son.

The Prime Minister again found himself under fire over claims that he sought financial help to fund childcare for Wilfred, one.   

Reports at the weekend cited a donor who said they had been approached, saying: ‘I don’t mind paying for leaflets but I resent being asked to pay to literally wipe the Prime Minister’s baby’s bottom.’

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters today that Mr Johnson had covered all the costs for childcare for his one-year-old son Wilfred himself.

However the spokesman refused to be drawn on whether the PM had previously approached supporters to pay for a nanny.

It prompted another furious attack by Labour, urging No10 to come clean on his dealings with Tory donors.

An Electoral Commission investigation is currently underway into allegations that donors were asked to pay for an expensive redecoration of the Downing Street flat Mr Johnson, 56, shares with fiancee Carrie Symonds and their son.

The Prime Minister again found himself under fire over claims that he sought financial help to fund childcare for Wilfred, one.

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner called on Mr Johnson and the Conservative Party to publish all correspondence relating to his attempts to get Tory donors to fund his lifestyle.

‘We are seeing what looks like another cover up from the Prime Minister, who is trying to hide his attempts to fund his lifestyle through secret payments from wealthy Tory donors,’ she said.

‘Boris Johnson forcing his MPs to vote against free school meals and making stealth cuts to schools at the same time as asking Tory donors to pay for his own childcare is yet more evidence that it’s one rule for him and his mates, another for everyone else.

‘What did these donors expect in return for their generosity, and what were they promised?’

In response, Mr Johnson’s spokesman said: ‘The Prime Minister has covered the costs of all childcare.

‘I have nothing more to add to that. I am not going to be getting into any more detail.’

The report comes amid continuing questions over how Mr Johnson paid for the reported £200,000 refurbishment of his Downing Street flat.

The Prime Minister has insisted he met the cost himself but has refused to say whether initial bills were paid by donors.

The Electoral Commission last week launched an inquiry into whether any loans or donations made in connection with the refurbishment work had been properly declared.

The Prime Minister’s new adviser on ministerial standards, Lord Geidt, and the Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, are also looking into the matter.

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