MUSTIQUE MYSTERY: THE WEEK’S CHANGING STORY
MONDAY
In the MPs’ register of interests, the PM records his holiday as a ‘benefit in kind’ gift from tycoon David Ross. The entry reads: ‘Accommodation for a private holiday for my partner and me, value £15,000.’
WEDNESDAY
Mr Ross’s spokesman says the declaration is ‘a mistake’ and that the Prime Minister did not stay in the tycoon’s villa. Ross explains that he contacted the firm that runs the villa complex to help Mr Johnson find somewhere to stay. The spokesman adds: ‘So Boris got the use of a villa that was worth £15,000 but David Ross did not pay any monies whatsoever.’
THURSDAY
Apparently under pressure from Downing Street, Mr Ross issues another statement saying that he ‘facilitated’ the accommodation. ‘Therefore this is a benefit in kind from Mr Ross to Mr Johnson, and Mr Johnson’s declaration is correct.’
FRIDAY
The villa’s millionaire owner, American Sarah Richardson, says she rented it out and ‘got paid’ – but had ‘no idea’ who covered the cost as it was handled by The Mustique Company.
TODAY
Friends of the PM insist he paid ‘thousands’ for his holiday.