Boris Johnson has allegedly called ex-Tory aide Carrie Symonds and told her he ‘can’t wait to see her’, after they were spotted holidaying together before the former foreign secretary’s marriage ended.
Amid the furore, Mr Johnson, 54 vowed to the PR guru nicknamed ‘Apples’ that he would ‘protect her’, during an emotional phone call.
Those close to Mr Johnson have suggested that since the split he has been in touch with her, to apologise for the way that she has been treated, sources told the Mirror.
They said: ‘He said he was absolutely beside himself and wants to try and protect her from this furore.
Boris Johnson has allegedly called ex-Tory aide Carrie Symonds and told her he ‘can’t wait to see her’, after they were spotted holidaying together before the former foreign secretary’s marriage ended
‘Boris and Carrie are good friends. And, when the dust settles, he hopes they can meet again.’
Mutual friends of Mr Johnson and the Tory spin-doctor said that they aren’t sure how their relationship will develop going forward.
However the former London mayor is desperate for Ms Symond’s reputation to remain intact following the close speculation of their relationship.
The source added that the collapse of Mr Johnson’s marriage is not Ms Symond’s fault, he is the married one and therefore takes all responsibility.
Amid the furore, Mr Johnson, 54 vowed to the PR guru nicknamed ‘Apples’ that he would ‘protect her’, during an emotional phone call
They continued that Mr Johnson and his wife’s married had been in trouble for a while before Ms Symonds was brought into the equation.
He added: ‘This wasn’t the straw that broke the camel’s back. But it was the catalyst that made it happen.’
Mr Johnson’s estranged wife, Marina Wheeler, reportedly found a series of messages from Ms Symonds on her husband’s phone.
As well as they alleged messages Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds were pictured gazing at each other at a fundraiser, as well as enjoying business meetings at a swanky London hotel.
Those close to Mr Johnson have suggested that since the split he has been in touch with her, to apologise for the way that she has been treated, sources told the Mirror
Mr Johnson was seen soaking up the sun in Tuscany with Ms Symonds where they were spotted enjoying a stroll near where they were staying in Lucca, northern Italy.
Locals in the area told the Mirror that they had spotted Mr Johnson and the former aide in the region in early August.
The group were thought to be staying in a £260-a-night villa, which boasted an infinity pool and an outdoor dining area with views of the rolling hills.
While on the trip Ms Symonds shared snaps from their getaway on her social media pages, later deleting a tweet which said she was in Lucca with her family.
Mutual friends of Mr Johnson and the Tory spin-doctor said that they aren’t sure how their relationship will develop going forward
One of Ms Symonds’ tweets was of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing ABBA songs with the scenic view as a backdrop.
It was reported that Mr Johnson enjoyed a night of dancing with his senior party members at Ms Symonds’ 30th birthday bash.
Ms Symonds’ work with the conservative party has been praised by her former colleagues following claims she was forced out.
A number of prominent women in Westminster, including sports minister Tracey Crouch and MPs Anna Soubry and Stella Creasy, have complained at what they say is ‘misogynist’ treatment Miss Symonds has received since the reports emerged.
Westminster has been awash with rumours that Eurosceptics are plotting to try to topple Prime Minister Theresa May because they think her ‘Chequers’ Brexit plan makes too many concessions to the EU.
Miss Symonds’ friendship with the former Foreign Secretary emerged as it was rumoured he was plotting a leadership challenge to PM Theresa May
Miss Symonds was seen laughing with Mr Johnson outside a ball in London earlier this year
After Mr Johnson quit his role as Foreign Secretary and launched a stinging attack on the plan, it was thought he could be the man to challenge the Prime Minister in any leadership election.
The announcement that he and Ms Wheeler, his wife of 25 years, added further fuel to fire with The Sun reporting Ms Wheeler is citing his ‘adultery’ in divorce papers.
Boris has remained in the public eye since his divorce was announced, attending a meeting of Eurosceptics in Parliament this week and speaking at an event in Washington DC last night.
Mr Johnson spoke at the American Enterprise Institute after collecting the Irving Kristol Award overnight.
In comments that will refuel speculation he wants to oust Mrs May from No 10, the ex-Foreign Secretary said his top priority as PM would be social mobility.
Boris Johnson posed for pictures with guests at a black tie gala in Washington last night
American fans were keen to pose for selfies with Boris as he spoke of his ‘priorities for Britain’
Some American fans joked that the former Foreign Secretary should be ‘mayor of New York’
Mr Johnson also renewed his demand for Brexit to mean a clean cut with Brussels and truly ‘take back control’.
In his first major intervention since revelations about his love life and impending divorce, Mr Johnson also vowed to keep saying things his critics consider ‘absolutely outrageous’.
Asked for his top priority for Britain, Mr Johnson said: ‘Social mobility. If you think back to the great achievements of the Thatcher era, it was about helping people to seize control of their own destiny.
‘It was about buying shares or buying their own homes … We need to recover that momentum.’