UK

Bugging device found in my bathroom after Netanyahu visit, Johnson claims

The former prime minister alleged that his security team had made the discovery when they did a sweep of the toilets in 2017.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson made the claim in his ‘Unleashed’ memoir
Former prime minister Boris Johnson made the claim in his ‘Unleashed’ memoir (Jonathan Brady/PA)

A bugging device was found in Boris Johnson’s bathroom after a visit by Benjamin Netanyahu when he was foreign secretary, the former prime minister has claimed.

Mr Johnson alleged that his security team had made the discovery when they did a sweep of the toilets after the Israeli premier had used them during a meeting in 2017.

Writing in his memoir, “Unleashed”, the former Tory MP said Mr Netanyahu had excused himself during talks at his old office to use the washroom, described as “a secret annex… a bit like the gents in a posh London club.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

“Thither Bibi repaired for a while, and it may or may not be a coincidence but I am told that later, when they were doing a regular sweep for bugs, they found a listening device in the thunderbox,” Mr Johnson said.

It is unclear whether the Israeli government was confronted about the incident.

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The Israeli embassy in London has been contacted for comment.

Mr Johnson will be questioned about the revelations in his memoir during an appearance on ITV set to air on Friday evening.

It comes after the BBC was forced to cancel an interview with him after presenter Laura Kuenssberg accidentally sent the former prime minister her briefing notes.