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The prime minister’s standards adviser has had further talks with Number 10 after an official investigation contradicted Boris Johnson’s claim he knew nothing about how the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat was being funded.
Questions have been raised about Lord Geidt’s future in the wake of the development, but Boris Johnson’s spokesman said the independent adviser on ministers’ interests remains in post.
He added: “We are liaising with Lord Geidt to answer any further questions he may have.”
Number 10 did not deny that Lord Geidt had been angered by the Electoral Commission’s report, but it is understood the view in Downing Street is that he will not formally reopen his investigation.
What did the investigation find?
The Electoral Commission said Mr Johnson sent Lord Brownlow, the multimillionaire director of Huntswood, a WhatsApp message in November 2020 requesting additional money from a trust set up to fund the refurb.
But in May this year, Lord Geidt was told by the PM that he “knew nothing about such payments until immediately prior to media reports in February 2021”.
Lord Geidt was also told by officials that before February, Mr Johnson did not know “either the fact or the method of the costs of refurbishing the apartment having been paid”.
The Electoral Commission has fined the party £17,800 for improperly declaring donations by Huntswood Associates used for the works at 11 Downing Street, where the PM lives.
Standards adviser ‘on the verge’ of quitting – report
In the wake of the revelation, a senior Conservative has told Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby they would be “astounded” if Lord Geidt chose to remain in his role, if he concludes the PM was “economic with the truth” in his dealings with him.
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Source : skynews
