The outgoing prime minister and his wife hosted family and friends at 18th-century Daylesford House to celebrate their wedding with a larger circle after the pandemic forced them to curtail celebrations last year. The 81-year-old father of three married groom Stanley Johnson and his sister Rachel Johnson were there to celebrate his latest wedding, while Australian actress Holly Valance was also seen entering the estate. Political allies also pictured on arrival included International Environment Minister Zac Goldsmith and Tory MP John Whittingdale, as well as cabinet colleagues Mr Rees-Mogg and Ms Dorries. There were questions about whether defectors from Johnson’s government would be missing from the invite list, with former health secretary Sajid Javid among those not spotted arriving. Former chancellor Rishi Sunak and current foreign secretary Liz Truss also missed the party, both campaigning as the race to become the next prime minister continues. Perhaps a less welcome guest was anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray, who stood on a road near the wedding venue with a giant banner reading “Corrupt Tory Government… Get Them Out Now”. Brexit protester Steve Bray was seen with an anti-Tory banner outside the venue (PA) Ms Truss, on a campaign visit to Bromley, defended Mr Johnson for organizing the lavish celebrations at a time when millions are struggling with unaffordable bills. Asked if the prime minister should focus on the crises facing the country instead of partying, she told reporters: “I think he deserves to enjoy his wedding day and I wish him and Carrie and the whole family the best.” The event was held under 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 the wedding party on Saturday (PA) Staff were seen going in and out of the tent in a huff earlier this week as preparations were made for the party. Visitors could relax on hay bales and benches placed outside the marquee and eat and drink at kegs and small tables as they enjoyed views of vast meadows and orchards. Mr and Mrs Johnson planned to hold their wedding reception at the Prime Minister’s official country home, Cheques, in Buckinghamshire. This led to speculation that Mr Johnson wanted to stay on as caretaker prime minister in order to continue those plans, although the proposal was rejected by Downing Street. The couple are said to have sent out save-the-date cards for a celebration on July 30, before deciding to switch locations. Mr and Mrs Johnson married in a quiet private ceremony at Westminster Cathedral last year, arranged in secret, in front of a small group of family and friends. A reception followed in the gardens of 10 Downing Street, with a limited number of guests due to the coronavirus restrictions. It was known that the couple planned to have 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 that Mr Johnson has benefited from the support of the JCB chairmanship. During his leadership bid in 2019, 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 intended to show he could ” complete Brexit”. Lord Bamford’s wife, Carole Bamford, founded the luxury organic farm Daylesford, with a chain of shops selling its produce across London. Mr Johnson is said to have received around £12,500 worth of food from the Daylesford farm shop during the pandemic, although Downing Street said he had paid for the cost of all food intended for “personal consumption”. When asked about the wedding celebrations, the No 10 refused to comment on the nuptials, saying they were a “private matter”.
