A report published by one of the British Prime Minister’s advisors on Friday confirmed that Boris Johnson had "recklessly" renovated his official apartment without caring about how the funding for these works was sourced, but did not commit any wrongdoing. Christopher Geidt, the new government advisor tasked with ensuring compliance with ministerial rules, stated in the report that Boris Johnson allowed "without exercising caution" the renovation of his apartment at Downing Street without "paying stricter attention to how it was financed." However, the advisor cleared Johnson of any conflict of interest.
This issue had caused a political scandal in April when the Prime Minister faced accusations of wanting to fund these costly works with private donations. Media reports indicated that the renovation of the apartment he shares with his fiancée Carrie Symonds and their child cost nearly £200,000 (about €232,000), a significantly higher amount than the £30,000 allocated for such works.
There were considerations of opening a donation fund for the renovation, and a wealthy donor from the Conservative Party covered part of the costs. However, Geidt stated that Johnson "was not aware of anything" regarding the funding for the renovations, which began when he was seriously ill due to COVID-19 starting in early April 2020. He added that the Prime Minister did not become aware of the matter until February 2021 following media leaks. Johnson paid the bill himself in March.
The advisor confirmed that there was no conflict of interest in this case. Boris Johnson denied in late April in the House of Commons that he had committed any violations, insisting that he paid for the costs himself. However, he avoided clarifying whether he had received a donation that he later refunded.
A spokesperson for the government stated that "Lord Geidt's independent report reveals that the Prime Minister always acted in accordance with ministerial law." Any violation of this law justifies resignation. In addition to Christopher Geidt’s report, which opposition MPs questioned the independence of, the Electoral Commission began its own investigation in April after finding "reasonable grounds to suspect that one or more violations may have occurred." This commission, which regulates party and election financing, can demand the return of suspicious donations, impose fines, and even refer the case to the police for criminal prosecution.
