Boris Johnson & Marina Wheeler: A Prime Minister's Serial Infidelity
Britain's prime minister divorced his second wife amid multiple affairs, a love child scandal, and a cancer diagnosis
Key Facts
What Happened
Boris Johnson and Marina Wheeler married in 1993, both on their second marriages. Wheeler was a distinguished barrister and Queen's Counsel specializing in human rights and public law. Johnson rose from journalist to Member of Parliament, Mayor of London, Foreign Secretary, and ultimately Prime Minister. Throughout their 25-year marriage, Johnson's serial infidelity was an open secret in British political circles.
Johnson was fired from the Conservative front bench in 2004 after lying about his affair with Spectator columnist Petronella Wyatt, which reportedly resulted in a terminated pregnancy. In 2010, he was alleged to have fathered a child with arts consultant Helen Macintyre, which was confirmed by a court ruling. Despite these public humiliations, Wheeler stayed in the marriage until 2018.
The couple separated in September 2018 amid reports of yet another affair, this time with Carrie Symonds, a Conservative Party communications director 23 years Johnson's junior. The timing was devastating for Wheeler, who was simultaneously battling cervical cancer. Johnson announced his relationship with Symonds publicly while still legally married.
The divorce was finalized in 2020 after a private hearing at the Central Family Court in London. Financial details were sealed, but estimates put Wheeler's settlement at approximately four million pounds. Johnson married Carrie Symonds in 2021. Wheeler recovered from cancer and published a critically acclaimed book about the foundations of British law, reclaiming her identity beyond the betrayal.
Legal Breakdown: Serial Infidelity and Financial Settlement
English Divorce Law and Financial Remedies
English divorce law provides for 'financial remedies' rather than alimony, with courts considering the parties' needs, earning capacity, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. Wheeler's successful legal career meant she had independent earning capacity, which may have reduced her settlement compared to a non-working spouse.
Serial Infidelity as Behavioral Evidence
While English divorce law moved to no-fault in 2022, at the time of the Johnson-Wheeler divorce, adultery was still a ground for divorce. Multiple proven affairs established a clear pattern that could influence financial settlement. The court considers the 'conduct' of parties in exceptional cases.
Privacy in Family Court
English family courts operate with strict privacy protections. Financial details are sealed, and reporting restrictions prevent media from identifying children. This allowed Wheeler to maintain some dignity despite her husband's global fame and the intense public interest in the case.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Serial infidelity rarely stops. If your partner has cheated multiple times, the pattern is who they are, not an aberration.
- →Illness during divorce is tragically common. Ensure your attorney fights for adequate medical support provisions in the settlement.
- →Privacy protections in family court exist for a reason. Use them to protect your children and your dignity.
- →Having your own career and financial independence provides crucial leverage and security during divorce. Wheeler's barristering career gave her options many political wives do not have.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.