On Friday 23, April the controversy surrounding the renovation of the Prime Minister’s private flat located above No11 Downing Street started.
It has been alleged that Boris Johnson has received a substantial donation for the renovations of his private flat, and has failed to declare it.
The issue came to light following a blog post from the Prime Minister’s former chief advisor, Dominic Cummings in which he claimed that Mr Johnson once had “possibly illegal” plans for conservative donors to fund the renovations of his private residence.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhy is this a problem?
Prime Ministers are allocated a budget of £30,000 per year for their Downing Street home. While it is not a problem if the Prime Minister accepted separate money for the refurbishment, he would be expected to make that information public.
It has been estimated that the renovation has cost up to £200,000. It has been reported that the Prime Minister has previously said: “The cost is totally out of control,” as well as saying the cost was “Tens and tens of thousands – I can’t afford it.”
When MP’s receive donations or loans that may influence their decisions, they are expected to register this within 28 days, which the Prime Minister didn’t do.
However, there are different reporting rules and publication schedules that apply to different ministers’ interests. This makes it difficult to categories which timeframe applies to the declaration of financial help for this refurbishment.
The Electoral Commission which is the body regulating electoral and political finance, are trying to find out if these funds are political donations that would need to be published.
If it is a gift or donation that Boris Johnson has received and he does not declare it within one month, he will have broken electoral law.
What does this renovation include?
It is believed that Carrie Symonds, Boris Johnson’s fiancée has hired high-end interior designer, Lulu Lytle to undertake the renovations.
Lulu Lytle’s company, Soane Britain is known for selling lavish ‘Yellow Gold’ and ‘Old Gold’ wallpaper among other luxury items.
People have speculated that the Prime Minister needed a renovation due to the flat being ‘full of John Lewis furniture.’
Imagine being given £30K to renovate your state-funded home, and then asking others to pay £58K more even if it means shredding any integrity you have left.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 28, 2021
All because you think you’re too good for John Lewis. And all in a pandemic.@BorisJohnson is a disgrace to Number 10.
