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Boris Johnson breached UK government rules by failing to disclose his relationship with a hedge fund that organised his visit to meet Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in February, according to the business appointments watchdog.

Lord Eric Pickles, chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, reported the breach in a letter to Oliver Dowden, UK deputy prime minister, on Friday.

Pickles said the former UK prime minister had been “evasive” in his dealings with Acoba, avoided answering specific questions and had “refused to be open about his relationship to Merlyn Advisors”, which the Financial Times revealed had arranged the controversial visit to Venezuela. 

Government rules state that former ministers must not announce or take up new appointments before Acoba has provided advice.

A spokesperson for Johnson was contacted for comment.

This is a developing story

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