Boris Johnson's partner to live with him in Downing Street
2 min read
Boris Johnson will finally move into Downing Street on Monday - and will be taking his girlfriend with him.
Number 10 confirmed that Carrie Symonds will live with the Prime Minister in the larger flat above 11 Downing Street, which is normally reserved for the Chancellor and his family.
However, a spokeswoman insisted that she will not be given additional support by the Downing Street press office, or a clothing allowance, as has been the case with Prime Ministers' spouses in the past.
"There will be no additional cost to the taxpayer," the spokeswoman said, who also denied suggestions that the public purse will have to fund new furniture for the flat.
It is understood to be the first time that a Prime Minister has lived in Downing Street with their unmarried partner.
Mr Johnson is still finalising his divorce with Marina Wheeler, who he was married to for 25 years and with whom he had four children.
Ms Symonds, a former director of communications for the Conservative Party, stood with Number 10 staff when Mr Johnson addressed the country from the steps of Downing Street when he became Prime Minister last Wednesday.
The pair were at the centre of controversy last month when police were called to Ms Symonds' south London flat after neighbours complained about a loud altercation.
Two police cars and a van arrived to investigate the incident.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: "At 00:24hrs on Friday, 21 June, police responded to a call from a local resident in [south London]. The caller was concerned for the welfare of a female neighbour.
"Police attended and spoke to all occupants of the address, who were all safe and well. There were no offences or concerns apparent to the officers and there was no cause for police action."
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