Boris Johnson faces inquiry calls over claim BBC chairman helped ex-PM secure £800,000 loan

Reports emerged last week that the spendthrift ex-PM's distant Canadian cousin has stepped in to help Boris Johnson fund his lavish lifestyle when he found himself in financial difficulty in 2020

Boris Johnson is facing new questions about his financial affairs (

Image: PA)

Labour has demanded Parliament's standards watchdog investigate claims the BBC chairman helped Boris Johnson secure a loan of up to £800,000 - weeks before he was recommended for the position by the Prime Minister at the time.

Reports surfaced last week that the spendthrift ex-PM's distant Canadian cousin stepped in to help Mr Johnson fund his lavish lifestyle when he found himself in financial difficulty in 2020.

Millionaire Sam Blyth acted as guarantor for up to £800,000 in credit to fund the former Prime Minister's 'living expenses', according to the

Richard Sharp, a former Tory donor who is now BBC chairman, admitted introducing Mr Blyth to civil service boss Simon Case, but said there was 'no conflict' and that he was no longer involved.

The newspaper said Mr Johnson, Mr Sharp and Mr Blyth then dined at Checkers before the loan was finalized, although the trio denied discussing Mr Johnson's finances.

Mr. Sharp, a former Goldman Sachs banker, had already submitted a candidacy to be chairman of the BBC at the time. He was announced as the government's choice for the post in January 2021.

Labour has now written to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg over the allegations, as the party warned Mr Johnson risked dragging the Tories into ‘another quagmire of sleaze’.

A spokesperson for Mr Johnson dismissed the report as 'garbage' and insisted his financial arrangements 'have been properly reported'.

Boris Johnson has returned from vacation in the Caribbean in a desperate attempt to rally support for his leadership bid (

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"Richard Sharp never gave financial advice to Boris Johnson, nor did Mr Johnson ask him for financial advice," the spokesperson said.

Referring to Mr. Johnson's private dinner with Mr. Sharp, an old friend, and Mr. Blyth, who is a distant relative, the spokesperson said: 'So what? Big deal.'

Mr. Sharp told the...