Boris Johnson is being investigated over a £15,000 Caribbean holiday amid other spending inquiries.
On Monday, Stone confirmed that Johnson is under investigation alongside seven other MPs.
The parliamentary standards watchdog is investigating the funding of the Prime Minister’s holiday with fiancée Carrie Symonds in 2019.
Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Stone, is probing Johnson’s New Year vacation which took place on the island of Mustique from 26 December 2019 to 5 January 2020.
It is public knowledge that David Ross, Tory donor and co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, donated £15,000 to the Prime Minister for accommodation for the aforementioned trip.
The MP’s Code of Conduct states politicians have an obligation to be “open and frank”
Johnson declared the donation after returning from the trip on 27 January. However, the Daily Mail reported the declaration to be an error, following a statement from Ross’ spokesperson.
The spokesperson asserted that Ross was not the owner of the villa Johnson and Symonds holidayed at, saying: “I believe it is a mistake”.
A U-turn was quickly made; the spokesperson then supporting Johnson’s declaration: “Mr. Ross facilitated the accommodation.”
He continued: it was a “benefit in kind”.
This confusion led former Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Officer, Jon Trickett, to ask the watchdog to launch an investigation to reveal how the holiday was actually expensed, with Labour pointing to “questions” about David Ross’ “generosity”.
The MP’s code of conduct states politicians have an obligation to be “open and frank” when highlighting particular interests. Any trips outside of the UK costing more than £300 not covered by the MP or the taxpayer must be declared.
Typically, MPs found in breach of the code of conduct can be ordered by Commons Standard Committee to apologise or repay the costs of any expense. In more serious cases, MPs can be suspended, though this is rare.
In response to the investigation, a spokesperson for Downing Street stated: “The prime minister transparently declared the benefit in kind in the Commons register of interests.”
He further added: “Clearly the rules are set out and it’s important that everyone abides by them, as the Prime Minister has done throughout.”
This news comes as Johnson is also under investigation for ambiguities surrounding how a Downing Street renovation was funded.
Labour deputy leader, Angela Rayner, commented on the matter stating: “The public have a right to know who paid for Boris Johnson’s luxury Caribbean holiday and the renovation of his flat.
“Most importantly, we need to know what these donors were promised or expected in return for their generosity.”
Nia Thomas
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