Split ‘clears way for PM bid’

BORIS Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler yesterday revealed they are divorcing – after he was accused of cheating on her.

The couple, both 54, said they had separated “months ago” after 25 years of marriage.

She is now set for half of his £6.5million fortune.

It came after the leading Brexiteer was reportedly accused by his second wife of having a fling behind her back.

His daughter Lara was said to have told pals he was a “selfish b ***** d” and her mum would never take him back amid claims of past affairs with several women.

In a joint statement, BoJo and Marina said yesterday: “Several months ago, after 25 years of marriage, we decided it was in our best interests to separate.

“We have subsequently agreed to divorce and that process is under way.

“As friends we will continue to support our four children in the years ahead. We will not be commenting further.”

The couple are said to have separated while Johnson was still Foreign Secretary.

He quit the role this summer amid rows over the future of Britain post-Brexit with Prime Minister Theresa May.

The Tory MP has since become a prominent critic of the Government’s plans.

Marina was seen helping him move out of his official residence in central London after he resigned in July.

The split announcement sparked claims yesterday that Boris has damaged his chances of becoming the next PM.

But last night speculation was rife he had made news of the divorce public in order to “clear the decks” ahead of a leadership bid.

An ally said: “I believe it is in Boris’s interests to get this news out there now so it is not used by his enemies in the height of a leadership contest.”