Boris and Carrie Johnson celebrated their wedding at the grand Cotswolds estate of a major Tory donor, with guests including staunch loyalists Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorris.
The retired prime minister and his wife hosted family and friends at 18th-century Daylesford House to celebrate their nuptials with a larger circle after the pandemic forced them to scale back celebrations last year.
The three-year-old groom’s father Stanley Johnson and sister Rachel Johnson were there to mark his latest marriage, while Australian actor Holly Valance was also seen entering the mansion.
Among the political allies also pictured arriving were Environment Secretary Zach Goldsmith and Tory MP John Whittingdale, as well as cabinet colleagues Mr Rees-Mogg and Ms Dorris.
There were questions about whether defectors from Mr Johnson’s government would be left off the guest list, with former health secretary Sajid Javid among those not seen arriving.
Former chancellor Rishi Sunak and current foreign secretary Liz Truss also skipped the party, both busy campaigning as the race to become the next prime minister continues.
Perhaps a less welcome guest was anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray, who took to a road near the wedding venue with a huge banner reading “Corrupt Tory Government… Get Them Out Now”.
Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray was spotted with an anti-Tory banner outside the venue
(PA)
Mrs Truss, on a campaign visit to Bromley, defended Mr Johnson for organizing the lavish celebrations at a time when millions are struggling with overwhelming bills.
Asked if the prime minister should focus on the crises facing the country instead of partying, she told reporters: “I think he has a right to enjoy his wedding day and I wish him, Carrie and all the best family.”
The event was held in a huge white marquee in the extensive landscaped grounds of Daylesford House in Gloucestershire. The Grade I listed mansion is owned by Anthony Bamford, chairman of construction equipment manufacturer JCB, who has donated millions to the Conservatives.
Boris Johnson’s father Stanley was seen driving to the wedding party on Saturday
(PA)
Staff were seen going in and out of the bunting tent earlier this week as preparations for the party got underway.
Guests were able to relax on hay bales and benches placed outside the marquee and eat and drink at kegs and small tables while enjoying views of extensive meadows and orchards.
Mr and Mrs Johnson had planned to hold their wedding reception at the Prime Minister’s official country residence, Checkers, in Buckinghamshire. This led to speculation that Mr Johnson wanted to stay on as caretaker prime minister to pursue those plans, although the proposal was rejected by Downing Street.
The couple are said to have sent out save-the-date cards for their July 30 celebration before deciding to change the venue.
Mr and Mrs Johnson married in a low-key, private ceremony at Westminster Cathedral last year, arranged in secret, in front of a small group of family and friends. This was followed by a reception in the gardens of 10 Downing Street, with a limited number of guests due to coronavirus restrictions.
The couple were known to be planning a bigger celebration this year after restrictions were eased.
Billionaire Lord Bamford is covering at least part of the cost of the party, the Mirror reported, citing unnamed sources. It is not the first time Mr Johnson has benefited from the support of the JCB chairman. During his 2019 leadership bid, which was backed by Lord Bamford, Mr Johnson knocked down a wall with a JCB digger at the company’s Staffordshire factory, in a stunt designed to show he could “make Brexit happen”.
Lord Bamford’s wife, Carol Bamford, set up the luxury organic farm Daylesford with a chain of shops selling its produce across London.
Mr Johnson is reported to have received around £12,500 worth of food from the Daylesford farm shop during the pandemic, although Downing Street said he paid the price for all food intended for “personal consumption”.
Asked about the wedding celebrations, the number 10 refused to comment on them, saying they were a “personal matter”.
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