‘Unwise’ Boris Johnson is CLEARED of breaking the ministerial code over Wallpaper-gate but gets a slap on the wrist as standards adviser criticises ‘significant failings’ over £90,000 No11 flat overhaul
The government’s new standards adviser today slammed ‘significant failings’ over the £90,000 No11 flat refurbishment – but cleared Boris Johnson of breaking the ministerial code.
Lord Geidt criticised the handling of a planned trust to fund the overhaul of the PM’s grace and favour flat, saying it was not subject to ‘rigorous project management by officials’.
In a long-awaited report to accompany the latest register of interests, the peer said: ‘Given the level of the Prime Minister’s expectations for the Trust to deliver on the objects he had set, this was a significant failing.
‘Instead, the Prime Minister – unwisely, in my view – allowed the refurbishment of the apartment at No 11 Downing Street to proceed without more rigorous regard for how this would be funded.’
However, the new adviser on ministerial interests said the trust was a ‘genuine endeavour’.
Ordering a note to be added to the latest register of interests, he said they ‘present no actual or perceived conflict’.
‘I consider them to be consistent with the provisions of the Ministerial Code,’ he added.
The PM and Carrie Symonds face the prospect of handing over emails and phone messages in a separate investigation by the Electoral Commission
The government’s new standards adviser today slammed ‘significant failings’ over the No11 flat refurbishment – but cleared Boris Johnson (pictured) of breaking the ministerial code
Pictured: A design by Lulu Lytle, who is believed to have carried out the refurbishment
Lord Geidt – former private secretary to the Queen – was appointed at the end of last month and immediately handed the task of ‘ascertaining the facts’ surrounding the renovation of the 11 Downing Street flat and advising Mr Johnson ‘on any further registration of interests that may be needed’.
The post had been vacant since Sir Alex Allan resigned in November in response to Mr Johnson standing by Priti Patel, despite an investigation finding the Home Secretary’s conduct ‘amounted to behaviour that can be described as bullying’.