The source said: “Downing Street was a pressure cooker. It was right at the top of the workplace, and you can’t leave that behind. It was hopeless.” The Johnsons married in May last year while the Covid restrictions were in place and had a small Downing Street garden party to celebrate. A much bigger party was planned for Checkers, but now a new venue has been found after allegations Johnson was holding onto power so he could use the country house for the event. Friends said Mrs Johnson would continue her charity work after her husband stepped down and was replaced by a new leader. She campaigns for animal rights, conservation and violence against women. Any suggestion that she would restart her political career – she was the Conservative Party’s communications chief for a short time – “isn’t going to happen”, a friend said. The couple bought a four-bedroom house in Camberwell, south London, for £1.2m in July 2019, but do not plan to live there after leaving Downing Street. It is understood the property is currently rented out and sources said it is very exposed, making it a security risk. The Johnsons have no plans to sell the house, but will keep it as an investment.
