The SNP has challenged Rishi Sunak to remove the Conservative party whip from Boris Johnson over the former prime minister's dealings with the chairman of the BBC.
It follows revelations that Johnson was warned by officials in December 2020 to stop discussing his financial arrangements with Richard Sharp, who was due to be announced as BBC chair on January 6, 2021.
Sharp has been called on to quit the broadcasting giant after reports he helped Johnson secure a loan before getting his BBC job.
The former banker has denied any conflict of interest and insisted he simply connected a friend who wanted to guarantee a loan for the then prime minister with the head of the Civil Service.
A spokesman for Johnson said that Sharp has "never given any financial advice to Boris Johnson, nor has Mr Johnson sought any financial advice from him".
SNP MP Kirsty Blackman said: "These latest revelations are devastating for Boris Johnson and shows how he has lied through his teeth about his relationship with the BBC’s chairman. Rishi Sunak should remove the whip from Johnson immediately.
"His appointment of Richard Sharp as BBC chair absolutely reeks of cronyism and corruption and a full investigation must be carried out into the appointment by Boris Johnson.
"Lying and Boris Johnson go hand-in-hand and Rishi Sunk must show real leadership and kick him out of the Tory party for not only misleading him, but also the country over his relationship with Case."
A Cabinet Office memo leaked to the Sunday Times said: "Given the imminent announcement of Richard Sharp as the new BBC chair, it is important that you no longer ask his advice about your personal financial matters."
The UK Government has faced attacks from opposition parties over the appointment of Sharp, whose role as BBC chairman is to uphold the broadcaster's independence.
Sharp has previously acknowledged that he had contacted Cabinet Secretary Simon Case - the most senior civil servant - in late 2020 to discuss an offer of financial assistance for Johnson.
That offer came from his wealthy Canadian friend Sam Blyth - also a distant cousin of the then Tory leader.
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