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Boris Johnson in May 2022
Photo: Matt Dunham/AP
Known for his scandals, the British opposition is now calling for an independent investigation into former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The party wrote to Daniel Greenberg, who oversees a transparency register on MPs' financial interests in the British House of Commons, the Guardian reported.
The background is a case of alleged nepotism.
The newspaper "Sunday Times" had previously reported that the BBC chairman Richard Sharp was said to have given financial advice to the then prime minister shortly before his appointment by Johnson.
According to the report, Sharp helped his longtime friend Johnson at the end of 2020 to arrange a guarantee for a loan of up to £800,000.
Shortly thereafter, Sharp was officially nominated by Johnson for the BBC post.
The BBC Chairman is appointed by the Monarch on the proposal of the Prime Minister and Minister for Culture.
The public broadcaster is not involved in the selection process.
Johnson and Sharp deny allegations
According to media reports, Johnson was in financial difficulties at the end of 2020 due to alimony payments and the luxurious renovation of his Downing Street official apartment.
During this time he had met Sharp and Canadian entrepreneur Sam Blyth, a distant cousin of Johnson.
Ultimately, he gave Johnson the guarantee.
According to the Sunday Times, Sharp is said to have first introduced the two men.
Johnson and Sharp denied the allegations of nepotism.
A spokesman for Johnson told the Sunday Times that the meeting with Sharp and Blyth was not about the then prime minister's finances.
Johnson did not disclose Blyth's assistance because it was assistance from a relative with no conflict of interest.
Sharp, in turn, told the paper there was no conflict as he merely matched Blyth with Johnson and had "no further involvement."
The opposition harshly criticized Johnson.
"The financial affairs of this disgraced former Prime Minister are becoming increasingly murky, dragging the Conservative Party deeper into the mire," said Labor Secretary-General Anneliese Dodds.
It is about serious questions: "Why was this money never declared and what exactly did he promise these very generous friends in return for such generous loans?" The lack of transparency gives the impression that there could have been a return.
kko/dpa