Boris Johnson’s ethics adviser has said the PM acted “unwisely” in the handling of his flat refurbishment and found a “significant failing” in his approach – but judged there was no breach of the ministerial code.
Mr Johnson pushed on with the costly renovation of 11 Downing Street without knowing how it would be paid for, and remained in the dark about its funding until controversy erupted in the press, Christopher Geidt found.
Labour has called for the PM to reveal any other projects donors have paid for. “We know this isn't the only aspect of the prime minister's lifestyle that may be being funded by Tory donors. No 10 must now come clean about how far this goes,” said Angela Rayner, the deputy leader.
Separately, Matt Hancock was found to have committed a “minor breach” of the ministerial code by failing to declare he held shares in his sister’s company, which was approved for an NHS contract.
Downing Street was also on the defensive over Mr Johnson’s meeting with Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary.
After he was criticised for hosting Mr Orban, a populist under whose leadership human rights and media freedom have come under threat, the PM’s spokesperson said he had raised these problems with his guest.
And elsewhere, Rishi Sunak was engaged in preparations for the G7 meeting of finance ministers. He urged his counterparts in other wealthy nations to ensure climate change was at the forefront of their economic recovery from coronavirus.
