Minister who walked in on Johnson in 'compromising situation' in office revealed
The Independent|July 02, 2022
Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds in 2019, two years before their marriage
SIMON WALTERS
Minister who walked in on Johnson in 'compromising situation' in office revealed

The mystery MP who walked in on Boris Johnson and then girlfriend Carrie Symonds in an allegedly "compromising

situation" when he was foreign secretary is Northern Irelan minister Conor Burns, The Independent can reveal.

Downing Street said that Burns "flagged up" the couple's relationship to Foreign Office officials after finding them "having a glass of wine together" alone in Mr Johnson's Commons office as foreign secretary in 2018.

Mr Burns, one of Mr Johnson's most loyal supporters, had a "sixth sense" that their relationship was "one to watch", said senior No 10 source.

Mr Burns raised the matter with Mr Johnson's close aide Be Gascoigne, who worked for him at the Foreign Office and is No 10 deputy chief of staff. It has previously been reported in turn, Mr Gascoigne alerted Mr Johnson's Foreign Office private office.

On discovering Mr Johnson's relationship with Carrie (there situation" when he was foreign secretary is Northern Ireland minister Conor Burns, The Independent can reveal.

Downing Street said that Burns "flagged up" the couple's relationship to Foreign Office officials after finding them "having a glass of wine together" alone in Mr Johnson's Commons office as foreign secretary in 2018.

Mr Burns, one of Mr Johnson's most loyal supporters, had a "sixth sense" that their relationship was "one to watch", said a senior No 10 source.

This story is from the July 02, 2022 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 02, 2022 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
Emotional Klopp prepares for final Merseyside derby
The Independent

Emotional Klopp prepares for final Merseyside derby

Liverpool boss admits the clash is not his favourite game

time-read
5 mins  |
April 24, 2024
Chelsea's collapse is lowest point in topsy-turvy season
The Independent

Chelsea's collapse is lowest point in topsy-turvy season

“This is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club,” Mauricio Pochettino declared on the eve of his side’s visit to Arsenal.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 24, 2024
Ruthless Arsenal humiliate beleaguered London rivals
The Independent

Ruthless Arsenal humiliate beleaguered London rivals

So much for this being one of Arsenal’s awkward remaining fixtures, not to mention the idea the title race was over.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 24, 2024
Tesla profits down amid job losses and delivery issues
The Independent

Tesla profits down amid job losses and delivery issues

Tesla experienced a 55 per cent decline in profits this quarter compared to the same period last year, according to the EV company’s latest financial disclosures.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 24, 2024
Hunt's scope for tax cuts hit by high borrowing figures
The Independent

Hunt's scope for tax cuts hit by high borrowing figures

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been dealt a blow after official figures revealed borrowing for the last financial year overshot forecasts, hitting £120.7bn as wages and benefit payments soared.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 24, 2024
Mortgage rates are surging - and it's all about the base
The Independent

Mortgage rates are surging - and it's all about the base

As a string of lenders have raised their rates for homebuyers, James Moore explains why an uncertain outlook is to blame

time-read
4 mins  |
April 24, 2024
The found-footage frightfest that revolutionised a genre
The Independent

The found-footage frightfest that revolutionised a genre

Annabel Nugent goes deep on the behind-the-scenes story of The Blair Witch Project’ the cult horror whose ingenious and brazen marketing campaign could never happen today

time-read
6 mins  |
April 24, 2024
'People texted me money emojis when Amy died'
The Independent

'People texted me money emojis when Amy died'

The Zutons, the band behind Valerie’, are back with a new album after 16 years. They tell Craig McLean how drugs and booze derailed their chart career before redemption arrived

time-read
8 mins  |
April 24, 2024
Reckless web sleuths don't understand Baby Reindeer
The Independent

Reckless web sleuths don't understand Baby Reindeer

Armchair detectives are pestering those they believe to be the inspiration behind the stalker drama dominating Netflix. Such behaviour is misguided and wrong, writes Adam White

time-read
5 mins  |
April 24, 2024
You can 'game' Ryanair to avoid disliked middle seats
The Independent

You can 'game' Ryanair to avoid disliked middle seats

“I have heard that the later you leave it to check in with Ryanair, the higher the chance of avoiding a middle seat,” Mick G writes.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 24, 2024