Bring in watchdogs over Johnson £800k loan & BBC boss link

Labour demands a probe amid claims of cronyism

- BY LIZZY BUCHAN

BORIS Johnson must face a probe over claims Richard Sharp helped him get a loan guarantee before the then-PM recommended him for the job of BBC boss, Labour demanded.

Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds has written to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg amid claims of cronyism.

Former Tory donor Mr Sharp admitted introducing millionaire Sam Blyth, a distant cousin of Mr Johnson's, to Cabinet Secretary Simon Case.

It is reported that Canadian Mr Blyth agreed to act as a guarantor to up to £800,000 of credit to fund the ex-party leader's day-to-day expenses" when he got into financial trouble in 2020.

Mr Johnson, Mr Sharp and Mr Blyth had dinner at Chequers before the loan was finalised, though they deny discussing the MP's finances.