The Prime Minister’s independent adviser on standards has found that Boris Johnson did not break the ministerial code but acted “unwisely” over the renovation of his Downing Street flat.
An investigation by Lord Geidt found that the work to refurbish the Prime Minister’s flat above 11 Downing Street had been partially paid for by a Conservative party donor. According to the adviser, Mr Johnson was ‘unwise’ to allow the refurbishment of the flat to take place “without more rigorous regard for how this would be funded”.
In a statement responding to Lord Geidt’s report, a Downing Street spokesperson said;
“Lord Geidt’s independent report shows the prime minister acted in accordance with the Ministerial Code at all times.
“The prime minister has made a declaration in his list of ministerial interests, as advised by Lord Geidt.
“Cabinet Office officials were engaged and informed throughout and official advice was followed.”
Labour has called on Downing Street to reveal any other aspects of the Prime Minister’s lifestyle that may be funded by Conservative party donors.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been judged to have committed a “minor breach” of the ministerial code, according to another report from Lord Geidt.
Mr Hancock was found to have failed to declare that a firm run by a family member, which he also has a 20% stake in, won a NHS coronavirus contract. The report states though that Mr Hancock lacked knowledge of the contract and that the conflict of interest was “in no way deliberate”.
Neither Mr Hancock or Mr Johnson are to face any further action as a result of the investigations by Lord Geidt.
