Boris Johnson faces a Tory cronyism revolt after trying to secure a £90,000-a-year party post for a 'political novice' who is one of fiancée Carrie Symonds's best friends.

The Prime Minister wants to appoint former TalkRadio journalist Ross Kempsell, 28, as Conservative director of research despite angry protests from senior Tories.

It would mean ousting current research director Iain Carter, who was Miss Symonds's boss when she was forced to resign as the party's communications director in 2018 after being accused of abusing her expenses.

The row over Mr Kempsell comes amid concern among some Conservatives at Miss Symonds's influence over Mr Johnson

Mr Kempsell is a member of Miss Symonds's network of Tory friends and attends soirees hosted by her in the Downing St flat.

As Tory political director in charge of the party's media machine and CRD, Mr Carter was involved when Miss Symonds was asked to leave her £80,000-a-year director of communications job after party chiefs said her performance was poor. They had previously challenged her over her expenses.

After Mr Johnson became Prime Minister, Mr Carter was demoted to research director, and stripped of control of the communications team.

It’s not what you know ......

It’s not what you know ......

Well, apparently, Mr Kempsell knows nothing about politics but he IS a "close" friend of Miss Symonds and frequently attends her "soirees" - he also plays tennis with Boris, although somewhat mismatched in age and size .....