Tory MPs hail girlfriend’s role in restoring Johnson’s political fortunes

Tory MPs have hailed Carrie Symonds’ role in revitalising Boris Johnson’s political fortunes – amid questions over whether she would join him in Downing Street.

The former Conservative communications chief has ‘really focused’ Mr Johnson since their relationship began and prevented his campaign being ‘macho’, according to supporters.

Some even claimed they were only backing the Conservative leadership favourite because of Ms Symonds. 

The growing influence of Ms Symonds, an experienced political operator who has worked for a series of Cabinet ministers, is underlined in a behind the scenes article on the leadership battle.

The 31-year-old started a relationship with Mr Johnson after he separated from second wife Marina Wheeler last year – although there have been signs of turbulence, including a blazing row at her London flat that was recorded by neighbours. 

There is also mounting speculation about whether she will join Mr Johnson living in Downing Street if he succeeds Theresa May as PM.

Mr Johnson could be the first premier to divorce while in No10 for 250 years – following in the footsteps of the third Duke of Grafton.   

The Financial Times piece highlights the critical role played by Ms Symonds in overhauling his shambolic image. 

Carrie Symonds pictured left out shopping in London this week. Mr Johnson is pictured right campaigning at Thames Valley police training centre yesterday

The former foreign secretary has tamed his unruly blond mane, started wearing smarter suits, and lost a significant amount of weight thanks to a strict diet.

One Johnson supporter told the FT she had managed to ‘take charge of Boris and really focus him’.

Boris Johnson could be the first PM to divorce in No10 for 250 years 

Augustus FitzRoy scandalised London 250 years ago with his conduct while leading George III’s government in the years before the US War of Independence

Boris Johnson may bring personal baggage if he wins the Tory leadership battle but he perhaps does not yet compete with the third Duke of Grafton, the last man to become divorced while leading the nation.

Augustus FitzRoy scandalised London 250 years ago with his conduct while leading George III’s government in the years before the US War of Independence. 

Mr Johnson is set to become the first leader to officially end their marriage while in power since the late 18th century.  

The 54-year-old former foreign secretary parted from wife Marina Wheeler QC – the mother of four of his children – last year and began a relationship with Carrie Symonds, 31 – 23 years his junior. 

The Duke of Grafton’s story is slightly different, if perhaps more shameless. 

He took office in 1768 at the tender age of just 33, four years after his affair with Nancy Parsons began to rock London society.

It was not just the poor timing of the affair’s start – his wife Anne was pregnant with their third child at the time – but also Parsons’ background and the brazenness of the liaison which caused such offence. 

She apparently insisted on a clean campaign with no personal attacks on opponents, and diluted what had previously been an all-male set of close advisers.  

At least half-a-dozen MPs said they were backing him due to her involvement. 

It is believed Ms Symonds is unlikely to take up a formal role in Downing Street if – as seems inevitable – Mr Johnson wins the race to become PM.

She is currently working on communications at conservation charity Oceana. 

But she is expected to be an important behind-the-scenes player – with allies comparing the situation to Theresa May, whose ‘rock’ in No10 has been husband Philip.  

‘Like Theresa with Philip, Boris trusts Carrie completely,’ an ally of Mr Johnson told the FT. 

One aide added: ‘I don’t think she will have a job, but Carrie will do her own thing as well as being Flotuk (First Lady of the United Kingdom).’

Mr Johnson may bring personal baggage if he wins the Tory leadership battle but he perhaps does not yet compete with the third Duke of Grafton, the last man to become divorced while leading the nation.

Augustus FitzRoy scandalised London 250 years ago with his conduct while leading George III’s government in the years before the US War of Independence. 

Mr Johnson is set to become the first leader to officially end their marriage while in power since the late 18th century.  

The philandering MP embarked on at least five extra-marital flings and got at least two of his mistresses pregnant. 

He has been married three times, with each ending in divorce after he had an affair with his future wife. He also has a fifth child after a fling with art consultant Helen Macintyre.

The 54-year-old former foreign secretary parted from wife Marina Wheeler QC – the mother of four of his children – last year and began a relationship with Carrie Symonds, 31 – 23 years his junior. 

The Duke of Grafton’s story is slightly different, if perhaps more shameless. 

He took office in 1768 at the tender age of just 33, four years after his affair with Nancy Parsons began to rock London society.

It was not just the poor timing of the affair’s start – his wife Anne was pregnant with their third child at the time – but also Parsons’ background and the brazenness of the liaison which caused such offence. 

The 31-year-old started a relationship with Mr Johnson (pictured together) after he separated from second wife Marina Wheeler last year – although there have been signs of turbulence, including a blazing row at her London flat that was recorded by neighbours 

Mr Johnson pictured on the campaign trail at the police training centre in Reading yesterday

Mr Johnson is the hot favourite to take the Tory leadership ahead of Jeremy Hunt (pictured campaigning in Hampshire yesterday)