Boris Johnson joked about Russian oligarchs 'buying influence' in the Conservative Party

EXCLUSIVE: Johnson talked about Conservative fundraising balls being used by Russian billionaires for 'buying friends in high places'

Boris Johnson joked about Russian oligarchs using their cash for “buying influence in the Tory Party” in footage unearthed by Folded.

Johnson told an event held for his official photographer Andrew Parsons in 2016 that his photos had been sold to Russian oligarchs for “tens of thousands of pounds at Conservative fundraising balls.”

Johnson, who was then at the end of his second term as London Mayor, asked the room why they believed these oligarchs had spent this money.

“And I ask you what do they think, those oligarchs from Russia, when they reach into their pockets and they lash out?” Johnson said.

“Do they think that they are buying influence in the Tory party my friends… Do they think they are buying friends in high places?”