PM’s flat scandal grows as missing messages emerge

News

07 January 2022

The prime minister has apologised for misleading his own ethics adviser, after withholding incriminating messages concerning his Downing Street flat revamp.

The PM claimed that changing phone numbers meant that he failed to hand over copies of WhatsApp messages from 29 November 2020, in which he asks Tory peer David Brownlow for “approvals” so that his decor designer, Lulu Lyttle, could “get on with” her £100,000 transformation of the “tip”.

Lord Geidt said that if he had been aware of the messages at the time he wrote his original report he “doubted” whether he would have cleared Johnson “without qualification” of breaking government sleaze rules.

The messages do not only cast doubt on the PM’s claim that he knew nothing of where the money was coming from until February 2021. Another aspect, leapt upon by Labour, is the apparent link between Brownlow paying for the PM’s pad and Johnson considering his plans for a festival.

As a postscript to his request to Brownlow, Johnson also wrote: “am on the great exhibition plan Will revert.” In his reply, Brownlow said: “Thanks for thinking about GE2”.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said the exchange was “pretty unbelievable” and amounted to “corruption plain and simple”. She added: “No one should be able to buy access or exchange wallpaper for festivals.”

The ‘missing exchange’
29 November 2020, 12.59pm
From Boris Johnson:
Hi David
I am afraid parts of our flat are still a bit of a tip and am keen to allow Lulu Lytle to get on with it. Can I possibly ask her to get in touch with you for approvals ?
Many thanks and all best
Boris
Ps am on the great exhibition plan Will revert.

29 November 2020, 3.44pm
From David Brownlow:
Afternoon Prime Minister, I hope you’re both well
Sorry for the delay I was out for a walk and didn’t have my ‘work’ phone with me.
Of course, get Lulu to call me and we’ll get it sorted ASAP !
Thanks for thinking about GE2
Best wishes David

29 November 2020, 4.10pm
From David Brownlow:
I should have said, as the Trust isn’t set up yet (will be in January) approval is a doddle as it’s only me and I know where the £ will come from, so as soon as Lulu calls we can crack on – David

The Times (£)
The FT (£)
The Guardian

Downing Street

The prime minister has apologised for misleading his own ethics adviser, after withholding incriminating messages concerning his Downing Street flat revamp. The PM claimed that changing phone numbers meant that he failed to hand over copies of WhatsApp messages from 29 November 2020, in which he asks Tory peer David Brownlow for “approvals” so that his decor designer, Lulu Lyttle, could “get on with” her £100,000 transformation of the “tip”. Lord Geidt said that if he had been aware of the messages at the time he wrote his original report he “doubted” whether he would have cleared Johnson “without qualification” of breaking government sleaze rules. The messages do not only cast doubt on the PM’s claim that he knew nothing of where the money was coming from until February 2021. Another aspect, leapt upon by Labour, is the apparent link between Brownlow paying for the PM’s pad and Johnson considering his plans for a festival. As a postscript to his request to Brownlow, Johnson also wrote: “am on the great exhibition plan Will revert.” In his reply, Brownlow said: “Thanks for thinking about GE2”. Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said the exchange was “pretty unbelievable” and amounted to “corruption plain and simple”. She added: “No one should be able to buy access or exchange wallpaper for festivals.” The ‘missing exchange’ 29 November 2020, 12.59pm From Boris Johnson: Hi David I am afraid parts of our flat are still a bit of a tip and am keen to allow Lulu Lytle to get on with it. Can I possibly ask her to get in touch with you for approvals ? Many thanks and all best Boris Ps am on the great exhibition plan Will revert. 29 November 2020, 3.44pm From David Brownlow: Afternoon Prime Minister, I hope you’re both well Sorry for the delay I was out for a walk and didn’t have my ‘work’ phone with me. Of course, get Lulu to call me and we’ll get it sorted ASAP ! Thanks for thinking about GE2 Best wishes David 29 November 2020, 4.10pm From David Brownlow: I should have said, as the Trust isn’t set up yet (will be in January) approval is a doddle as it’s only me and I know where the £ will come from, so as soon as Lulu calls we can crack on – David The Times (£) The FT (£) The Guardian