‘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 No11 flat overhaul
The government’s new standards adviser today slammed ‘significant failings’ over the No11 flat refurbishment – but cleared Boris Johnson of breaking the ministerial code.
Lord Giedt 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’.
‘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.
