Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie will no longer hold a lavish bash to celebrate their wedding at Chequers after a fierce backlash.
The Mirror revealed the couple had planned a party at the grace and favour mansion later this month to mark their marriage - and sources claimed the do was part of the reason Mr Johnson wanted to cling on in Downing Street.
But allies of the Prime Minister, who announced he was resigning yesterday, denied the suggestion it was part of his decision to stay on as PM until a new Tory leader was appointed.
A No10 source confirmed there would be change of venue for the glamorous bash amid a backlash over the plans.
It comes shortly after Education Secretary James Cleverly said it would be "churlish" to deny the couple their party at the 16th Century mansion.
Mr and Mrs Johnson tied the knot in May 2021 in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral in London, followed by a small bash in the Downing Street garden.
They were only allowed 30 guests under the Covid rules at the time, so a large party was planned for later this month to let them celebrate with family and friends.
But doubts were cast over this plan when Mr Johnson finally said he would step down as PM, which means he loses the right to use Chequers when his successor is appointed.
One Tory source told the Mirror: "It beggars belief that even after all the criticism Johnson has faced regarding integrity and probity, one of the reasons he is staying is to have his wedding party at Chequers.
"It's a national asset not his personal home. The Johnsons should do the decent thing and find a different venue. And Boris should do the decent thing and leave No 10 immediately".
A second insider added: "It's crass if it goes ahead."
But a spokesman for Mr Johnson said: "The PM has a strong sense of duty and will continue to serve his country until a new leader is in place solely to continue his obligation to the public."
Mr Cleverly, who admitted he had not been invited, was asked if the Johnsons should still be allowed to have the lavish party if a new PM has been appointed.
He told the Today programme: "I think that if that is done by that point in time, I suspect that it would be a rather generous action of the new Prime Minister to allow that to go ahead.
"Private functions like that do not impose a burden on the public purse."
He went on: "Like so many people - many, many people across the country had their wedding plans and celebrations disrupted because of Covid.
"I think it's churlish to be negative about two people who want to celebrate their marriage and their love for each other.
"Other people are doing it in their own ways around the country."
