Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has been enjoying a day at the races, it can be revealed.
As Boris Johnson ’s secret visit to Kyiv was revealed, photographers spotted Top Tory Mr Wallace clutching betting slips in a VIP box at Aintree, where punters were allowed to cheer on the Grand National for the first time in three years.
The race meet was cancelled in 2020 and held behind closed doors last year.
Mr Wallace, a keen racing fan, made the most of his privileged access to the world-famous equestrian event, chatting with friends and watch the races through binoculars.
His star has risen in recent weeks, as Rishi Sunak ’s popularity has waned following a week of rows over his family’s tax affairs.
Mr Wallace’s chances of replacing Mr Johnson as Prime Minister are now listed at 11/1, according to bookmakers.
It’s not known if Mr Wallace had a flutter on today’s races - but he was seen examining two betting slips.
Also in the VIP box was Zara Phillips, the Queen’s granddaughter, who was seen sharing a joke with Mr Wallace.
Racing fans braved rain and chilly temperatures today to make their return to Aintree.
But Mr Wallace, dressed in a charcoal suit, blue shirt and green tie, was kept warm and dry in the box at the Liverpool racecourse.
He was seen checking his phone and perusing the programme during the meet, as others in the box enjoyed glasses of wine.
Earlier, Boris Johnson’s top secret mission to see Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv was blown - by his Ukrainian hosts.
No10 had hoped to keep the visit under wraps until the PM was safely on his way home.
But presidential aide Andrij Sybiha could not resist posting a picture of the two leaders on his Facebook account followed 24 minutes later by Ukraine ’s Embassy in London.
And President Zelensky’s Instagram post got 380,000 likes when he said: “Welcome to Kyiv my friend.”
Mr Johnson said: “Ukraine has defied the odds achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century.
“It is because of President Zelensky’s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin’s monstrous aims are being thwarted.”
