The Guardian has learned that the Shirayama Shokusan Corporation has given the Conservative candidate free use of premises within County Hall, which now forms the headquarters for his campaign. Before the launch, Johnson was renting the space, but for the next four months he will pay nothing for accommodation in the prestigious building, which overlooks the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

In 2000, Shirayama offered Livingstone free premises from which to run his independent campaign but he rejected the offer, fearing that this might later bring about a potential conflict of interest.