Folded with Adam Bienkov

Share this post

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

adambienkov.substack.com

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'

Adam Bienkov
Mar 19, 2022
Share this post

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

adambienkov.substack.com

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?”

Folded with Adam Bienkov is a reader-supported publication. To read the rest of this story and support independent progressive journalism, please subscribe below

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Folded with Adam Bienkov to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2023 Adam Bienkov
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing