Boris Johnson and girlfriend Carrie Symonds make history as the first unmarried couple to live in Downing Street

BORIS JOHNSON and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds made history yesterday by moving into Downing Street – five days after he became PM.

The couple moved into the spacious four-bedroom apartment over No.11 – after forking out for their own furniture.

They become the first unmarried couple to officially live at the residence.

The move came as it emerged the pair spent the weekend at Chequers – the palatial grace and favour countryside retreat in Buckinghamshire.

Ms Symonds – pictured leaving an address in Westminster yesterday – is thought to have moved some of her belongings into Downing Street last week.

Mr Johnson’s deputy official spokeswoman yesterday said: “The Prime Minister is official moving in today.

“Yes his partner will be living there.”

‘NO ADDITIONAL COST TO TAXPAYER’

She added the couple would be refurbishing the flat “out of their own pocket” after it was vacated by ex-Chancellor Philip Hammond.

Boris was said to have told civil servants he “didn’t have any stuff” after separating from his wife Marina Wheeler.

And sources claimed he had discussed the possibility of buying a bed and other furniture on the taxpayer.

But the spokeswoman said: “There will not be any additional cost to the taxpayer.”

Philip Hammond delayed the move by keeping his furniture in No.11 until the weekend. Insiders claimed he had jokingly offered to leave his bed in the flat for the new PM.

Yesterday’s move marks the latest chapter in the extraordinary relationship between the PM and Ms Symonds.

Carrie’s meteoric rise to Britain’s first lady comes just a year after her relationship with Mr Johnson became public.

Just weeks ago police were called to her flat in south London amid claims of an explosive bust-up. But the couple quickly sought to quash rumours of a split.

And friends talk about Ms Symonds’ steadying influence on the PM. She is unlikely to have her own private office.

Samantha Cameron, Cherie Blair both had full-time assistants while their spouses were PM to help manage the workload.

But the spokeswoman said: “In relation to her living at No.10 there won’t be any additional cost to the taxpayer.”

Sajid Javid is expected to stay at his family home in west London after being left with the smaller two-bed flat above No.10. He and his wife Laura have four children.

Tony Blair started the trend for moving into the No.11 flat as he had a larger family than then Chancellor Gordon Brown.

David Cameron also chose the bigger apartment to accommodate his family.

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk