British Politician, Boris Johnson Announces Separation From Wife Of 25-Years, Marina Wheeler
British politician, journalist and former foreign secretary, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, better known as Boris Johnson and who is tipped as a future prime minister has revealed that he’s separated from his wife and they are getting a divorce.
The 54-year-old popular historian, who quit his role in July in opposition to the government’s plan for Brexit, made the announcement after a front-page report in The Sun that the pair had split over his infidelity.
READ ALSO: Great British Bake Off Host Paul Hollywood & Wife Split after 20 Years
“Several months ago, after 25 years of marriage, we decided it was in our best interests to separate,” the joint statement from Johnson and his wife, Marina Wheeler said.
“We have subsequently agreed to divorce and that process is under way. As friends we will continue to support our four children in the years ahead. We will not be commenting further.”
Johnson is widely believed to be making moves for the leadership of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative party, which is deeply divided on its approach to Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.
He was a leading figure in the campaign for Brexit ahead of the 2016 EU referendum, and since resigning; he has repeated his criticism of May’s plan to maintain close economic ties with the bloc.
The Sun tabloid suggested that fresh revelations of Johnson’s infidelity, which he has admitted to in the past, could damage his chances of taking power.
READ ALSO: Biggest Divorce Pay Out Ever? British Businessman May Be Forced To Pay Wife £350m
However, other commentators suggested this could be a way of “clearing the decks”- publishing all embarrassing materials before any leadership bid.
The statement comes just weeks before the Conservative party’s annual conference, where Johnson is expected to make a speech to a large rally.