Carrie Symonds, 31, has been dating the new Prime Minister since February 2019. The senior ocean conservation advisor is said to have a large influence on partner Boris Johnson, with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby suggesting her impact could already be seen in Mr Johnson’s maiden speech on Wednesday. Ms Rigby said: “He talked about animal welfare and the environment. Carrie Symonds is a huge advocate of cleaner oceans.

“She works as a campaigner and environmentalist.”

Ms Symonds had previously worked as Director of Communications for the Conservative Party but resigned when details of her relationship with Mr Johnson were leaked to the press. 

The Sky News editor continued: “It was interesting seeing her come out with the team and with Eddie Lister and it must have been quite odd for her.

“She handled it with total grace but how strange to come out and all the world to be on you and the drama of your relationship with Mr Johnson.

“There were questions whether she would be here, there were questions about their relationship but I think it was a clear indication that, while at the moment she is not going to be taking a front-row seat, she will be with him in Downing Street and will be very much by his side in the background.”

Ms Symonds made an unexpected appearance outside Number 10 on Wednesday to witness partner Boris Johnson deliver his first speech as the newly-elected Prime Minister. 

Mr Johnson secured 92,153 votes – 66.4 percent – to defeat Jeremy Hunt, who was backed by 46,656 Tory members.

A party source had previously suggested Carrie Symonds will play a prominent role in helping Mr Johnson to “schmooze” those concerned over his leadership. 

The party source said: “(Boris) has got to schmooze them over the summer with trips to Chequers, making sure he meets them and their other halves.”

Boris Johnson is technically still married to his second wife Marina Wheeler. However, in September 2018 they confirmed they had separated “several months ago” and divorce proceedings are underway.

Boris married his first wife Allegra Mostyn-Owen in 1987. However, the relationship broke down and they divorced in 1993 only for him to marry Marina a couple of weeks later.

It is not know exactly how many children Boris has and who he has them with, but it is thought to be five or six.

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