Boris Johnson’s plans to build a swimming pool in his back garden have been put on hold thanks to local newts.
The former prime minister, who railed against great crested newts and their ability to hold up development in a speech in 2020, has now fallen victim to them. South Oxfordshire District Council said he must either catch, count and rehome the newts in new ponds, or pay a fine so the council can build alternative habitats.
Johnson has also been told no further development will be permitted at his £3.8m Cotswold mansion without the oversight of archeologists. Johnson is at risk of disturbing the remains of a 12th century siege castle on the site.
