Who was at Checkers? Boris' camp in panic mode over claims he hosted friends and family

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Boris Johnson's camp is in panic mode over fresh allegations of a possible breach of rules at Checkers during Covid, prompting the dismissal of the former Prime Minister's lawyers and a public castigation of Rishi Sunak's government.

The latest fury centers on allegations that up to a dozen rallies at Checkers and No 10 took place during the lockdown after new details emerged passed on to police by the Cabinet Office.

There is now feverish speculation about who may have been at the alleged gatherings, including the closest associates of Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie.

Among those known to be friends of the pair are journalist Alex Wickham, former Johnson adviser Henry Newman and longtime spokesman Ross Kempsell - believed to be the former PM's tennis partner and would be up for a peerage in his resignation honors list. All three were approached by The Independent.

In stage-worthy intrigue, the rallies were highlighted by Mr Johnson's own government-appointed lawyers who scoured the ex-PM Journals in preparation for the upcoming Covid survey. The new claims are currently being assessed by Scotland Yard and Thames Valley Police.

L-R: Alex Wickham, Henry Newman and Ross Kempsell

(Bloomberg/BBC/Chris James/YouTube)

Mr. Johnson, who fired his legal team on the spot, is said to be both 'furious' and 'desperate' to be dragged into further questions about Partygate - and doesn't believe he did anything wrong, according to one source. Another friend said the former prime minister was angry and worried the Cabinet Office was handing over evidence to the police.

The row sparked a guessing game in Westminster over who might have visited Mr Johnson at the Buckinghamshire Mansion of Grace and Favor between June 2020 and May 2021 - with dates being considered by the police.

It also raises new scrutiny of relatives of Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie who may have been guests at the home near Aylesbury during the time in question.