London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Aug 25, 2025

UK PM accused of ‘significant failing’ but cleared of violating ministerial code by inquiry into Downing Street refurbishment cost

UK PM accused of ‘significant failing’ but cleared of violating ministerial code by inquiry into Downing Street refurbishment cost

The UK prime minister has been cleared of violating the ministerial code by an inquiry into the pricey refurbishment of his residence, but he acted “unwisely” for failing to know the source of funding for the work before it began.
A report published on Friday by Lord Geidt, the independent adviser on ministers’ interests, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had acted “unwisely” by allowing “the refurbishment of [his] apartment at No. 11 Downing Street to proceed without more rigorous regard for how this would be funded.”

Geidt’s investigation found that the work on the flat had initially been paid for by Lord David Brownlow, who covered the cost directly with the supplier on October 22, 2020. However, Johnson apparently did not become aware of who had paid for the refurbishment until media reports raised concerns in late February.

The report accused Johnson of a “significant failing” for not ensuring that the Trust, which deals with the refurbishment of the PM’s official residence, was “subjected to a scheme of rigorous project management by officials.”

However, the Tory leader avoided any penalties, with Geidt concluding that, despite Johnson not asking enough questions about the source of the funds, “no conflict (or reasonably perceived conflict) arises as a result of these interests.”

Johnson came under heavy criticism earlier this year after reports that the initial costs of refurbishing his official flat in Downing Street was covered by a Conservative Party donor. It is thought the total cost of the work ran up to £200,000 ($283,280), despite the prime minister only having an annual public grant of £30,000 ($42,490) to carry out such renovations.

The Electoral Commission has launched a separate investigation into how the refurbishment was funded, claiming there are “reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred.”
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Vietnam Evacuates Hundreds of Thousands as Typhoon Kajiki Strikes; China’s Sanya Shuts Down
UK Government Delays Decision on China’s Proposed London Embassy Amid Concerns Over Redacted Plans
A 150-Year Tradition to Be Abolished? Uproar Over the Popular Central Park Attraction
A new faith called Robotheism claims artificial intelligence isn’t just smart but actually God itself
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Purchases Third Property Amid Housing Tax Reforms Debate
HSBC Switzerland Ends Relationships with Over 1,000 Clients from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, and Egypt
Sharia Law Made Legally Binding in Austria Despite Warnings Over 'Incompatible' Values
Italian Facebook Group Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent Shut Down Amid Police Investigation
Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Deadlock Over Israel Sanctions
Trump and Allies Send Messages of Support to Ukraine on Independence Day Amid Ongoing Conflict
China Reels as Telegram Chat Group Shares Hidden-Camera Footage of Women and Children
Sam Nicoresti becomes first transgender comedian to win Edinburgh Comedy Award
Builders uncover historic human remains in Lancashire house renovation
Australia Wants to Tax Your Empty Bedrooms
MotoGP Cameraman Narrowly Avoids Pedro Acosta Crash at Hungarian Grand Prix
FBI Investigates John Bolton Over Classified Documents in High-Profile Raids
Report reveals OpenAI pitched national ChatGPT Plus subscription to UK ministers
Labour set to freeze income tax thresholds in long-term 'stealth' tax raid
Coca‑Cola explores sale of Costa coffee chain
Trial hears dog walker was chased and fatally stabbed by trio
Restaurateur resigns from government hospitality council over tax criticism
Spanish City funfair shut after serious ride injury
Suspected arson at Ilford restaurant leaves three in critical condition
Tottenham beat Manchester City to go top of Premier League
Bank holiday heatwave to hit 30°C before remnants of Hurricane Erin arrive
UK to deploy immigration advisers to West Africa to block fake visas
Nurse who raped woman continued working for a year despite police alert
Drought forces closures of England’s canal routes, canceling boat holidays
Sweet tooth scents: food-inspired perfumes surge as weight-loss drugs suppress appetites
Experts warn Britain dangerously reliant on imported food
Family of Notting Hill Carnival murder victim call event unmanageable
Bunkers, Billions and Apocalypse: The Secret Compounds of Zuckerberg and the Tech Giants
Ukraine Declares De Facto War on Hungary and Slovakia with Terror Drone Strikes on Their Gas Lifeline
Animated K-pop Musical ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Original Animated Film
New York Appeals Court Voids Nearly $500 Million Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump While Upholding Fraud Liability
Elon Musk tweeted, “Europe is dying”
Far-Right Activist Convicted of Incitement Changes Gender and Demands: "Send Me to a Women’s Prison" | The Storm in Germany
Hungary Criticizes Ukraine: "Violating Our Sovereignty"
Will this be the first country to return to negative interest rates?
Child-free hotels spark controversy
North Korea is where this 95-year-old wants to die. South Korea won’t let him go. Is this our ally or a human rights enemy?
Hong Kong Launches Regulatory Regime and Trials for HKD-Backed Stablecoins
China rehearses September 3 Victory Day parade as imagery points to ‘loyal wingman’ FH-97 family presence
Trump Called Viktor Orbán: "Why Are You Using the Veto"
Horror in the Skies: Plane Engine Exploded, Passengers Sent Farewell Messages
MSNBC Rebrands as MS NOW Amid Comcast’s Cable Spin-Off
AI in Policing: Draft One Helps Speed Up Reports but Raises Legal and Ethical Concerns
Shame in Norway: Crown Princess’s Son Accused of Four Rapes
Apple Begins Simultaneous iPhone 17 Production in India and China
A Robot to Give Birth: The Chinese Announcement That Shakes the World
×