MP calls for probe over Johnson book row on official visit

LABOUR has called on Theresa May to investigate whether Boris Johnson breached the ministerial code by talking about one of his books during an official visit.

The Foreign Secretary was in Serbia on Government business last month when he attended a “closed meeting in Serbia’s oldest bookstore” that officials said was about press freedoms.

Serbian media reports and publisher quotes suggest Mr Johnson “presented his book” on Sir Winston Churchill during the visit.

Labour said the publicity around the event appeared to “contradict comments from the minister’s office that he had been invited to discuss freedom of the press and was not aware the event would be used to promote his book” and claimed it was a potential conflict between his public duties and private financial interests.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Andrew Gwynne suggested the event raised questions over Mr Johnson’s future in the job. The shadow minister without portfolio wrote: “As you are aware the ministerial code sets out strict rules forbidding any such conflicts and further states it is the personal responsibility of ministers to avoid conflicts of interests.

“Should it not be possible to avoid conflicts of interest, the ministerial code states the Prime Minister must be consulted, and that it may be necessary for the minister to cease to hold the office in question.

“In light of the Foreign Secretary’s conduct during a ministerial visit to Serbia, I request the incident be investigated to determine as soon as possible if a breach of the ministerial code has taken place.”

Labour called on the Prime Minister to clarify whether Mr Johnson had breached the ministerial code, if she had been made aware of his financial interests from book sales from The Churchill Factor before the visit and if she had “agreed action regarding these financial interests”.

Shadow minister Clive Lewis said: “Once again, Boris Johnson’s conduct has raised questions on his ability to represent Britain internationally.” LIGHT bathes this famous building next to the River Clyde in Glasgow.

The former Co-operative Wholesale Society in Morrison Street is to remain lit after the lights were switched on. A new sculpture of a lady, gilded in 23-carat gold leaf, is illuminated, making it more visible to drivers on the Kingston Bridge.

Andrew Williamson, a committee member of the 95 Morrison Street Association, said: “The lights will show off the restoration work the building has undergone for the last 20 years. They will be permanent fittings that will show the building off in its full splendour.” Picture: Colin Mearns