Boris’s fiancee ‘put him up’ to attack on Cummings

Dominic Cummings’ extraordinary weblog attacking Boris Johnson and No 10  

On new Number 10  Director of Communications: 

‘The Prime Minister’s new Director of Communications Jack Doyle, on the PM’s request, has made plenty of false accusations to the media’

On Dyson texts leak:

‘I’ve not discovered those [texts] that have been leaked to Laura Kuenssberg on my telephone nor am I conscious of being despatched them final 12 months. I used to be in a roundabout way or not directly a/the supply for the BBC/Kuenssberg story on the PM/Dyson texts. ‘

On letting No 10 search his telephone:

‘I’m glad to meet with the Cabinet Secretary and for him to search my telephone for Dyson messages.’

On the ‘chatty rat’ leak: 

‘The Cabinet Secretary instructed the PM that the leak was neither me nor the then Director of Communications and that ‘all of the proof positively leads to Henry Newman’

On Henry Newman and Carrie:

‘The PM was very upset about this. He stated to me afterwards ‘If Newman is confirmed because the leaker then I’ll have to hearth him, and it will trigger me very severe issues with Carrie as they’re greatest mates … [pause] maybe we might get the Cabinet Secretary to cease the leak inquiry?’ ‘

On Number 10 flat renovations:

‘The PM stopped talking to me about this matter in 2020 as I instructed him I believed his plans to have donors secretly pay for the renovation have been unethical, silly, probably unlawful and virtually actually broke the principles on correct disclosure of political donations if performed in the way in which he meant. ‘

 On a Covid inquiry:

‘The correct approach for such points to be dealt with is through an pressing Parliamentary inquiry into the federal government’s conduct over the covid disaster which ought to take proof from all key gamers beneath oath and have entry to paperwork. ‘

On Boris Johnson: 

‘It is gloomy to see the PM and his workplace fall to date beneath the requirements of competence and integrity the nation deserves.’

On his testimony to an inquiry:

‘I’ll cooperate totally with any such inquiry and am glad to give proof beneath oath. I’m glad for No10 to publish each e mail I obtained and despatched July 2019-November 2020 (with no exceptions aside from, clearly, some nationwide safety / intelligence points).’ 

Boris Johnson’s fiancee Carrie Symonds ‘put him up’ to the attack on his former high aide Dominic Cummings that sparked a unprecedented response accusing the Prime Minister of incompetence, an insider has claimed.

What started as a bitter political battle yesterday become a full-on warfare in Whitehall when Mr Cummings launched a devastating attack on his former boss in an explosive 1,100-word weblog.

The Vote Leave mastermind savaged the ‘incompetent’ Conservative chief, who he stated had fallen ‘far beneath the requirements of competence and integrity the nation deserves’. 

The jaw-dropping attack got here as a livid Mr Cummings denied allegations he was the so-called ‘chatty rat’ behind leaks on the second lockdown final November or being behind leaks of the PM’s messages with entrepreneur James Dyson to the media this week.   

It is known the attack on Mr Cummings was personally ordered by Mr Johnson.  

One Westminster supply claimed Mr Johnson had been ‘put up to it’ by Miss Symonds, who was stated to be incandescent about briefings claiming she had tried to injury the careers of younger Tory girls. 

‘This is Carrie flexing her muscle groups,’ the supply stated.          

Mr Johnson final night time stated the British public ‘didn’t give a monkey’s’ concerning the Downing Street leak blame claims which have rocked Whitehall, as he denied making an attempt to block an official inquiry into the difficulty so as to shield his fiancee’s good friend.   

Asked whether or not he thought Mr Cummings had leaked particulars of his contacts with the entrepreneur Sir James Dyson, he instructed LBC: ‘I do not assume folks give a monkey’s about this concern.

‘What they care about is what have been we doing to shield the well being of the British public and that is what I care about.’

It got here as, in a devastating assertion, Mr Cummings successfully declared warfare on No 10 and turned a flamethrower on Mr Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds.

Amid a collection of explosive claims, Mr Cummings accused the PM of attempting to cease a severe leak inquiry so as to shield one in every of Miss Symonds’ closest mates. 

He warned the Prime Minister that his alleged plan to get donors to fund a lavish refurbishment of the couple’s flat was ‘unethical, silly, probably unlawful’.

He stated he instructed his then-boss that the concept ‘virtually actually broke the principles on correct disclosure of political donations’.

Mr Cummings denied being liable for a collection of damaging leaks about Mr Johnson’s administration, and in addition advised there needs to be an ‘pressing Parliamentary inquiry’ into its conduct.

Last night time, No 10 issued a strong denial of the claims, with a spokesman insisting that the Government and ministers had ‘acted in accordance with the suitable codes of conduct and electoral regulation’.

Mr Cummings’ broadside got here after Mr Johnson personally authorised a No 10 spin operation which blamed his former chief adviser for a string of damaging leaks in current weeks.

Mr Johnson and Miss Symonds have been incensed by revelations – many disclosed by the Daily Mail – concerning the PM’s personal dealings with Sir James Dyson and Saudi chief Mohammed bin Salman, and the couple’s six-figure redecoration of their No 11 flat.

To add to the ache, Mr Johnson was yesterday shamed into paying up to £60,000 from his personal pocket to fund the flat renovation.

The transfer adopted revelations within the Mail that the shortfall had been picked up by the Conservative Party, prompting requires an investigation by the Electoral Commission.  

Boris Johnson (pictured with former aide Dominic Cummings in 2019) final night time stated the British public ‘didn’t give a monkeys’ concerning the Downing Street leak blame claims which have rocked Whitehall, as he denied making an attempt to block an official inquiry into the difficulty so as to shield his fiancee’s good friend 

In an astonishing attack on the Prime Minister Mr Cummings accused him of contemplating killing off a leak inquiry final November as a result of the proof pointed at Henry Newman (centre), a good friend of his fiancee Carrie Symonds (proper). Mr Newman has denied being the supply of the leak.

In a devastating assertion, Mr Cummings successfully declared warfare on No 10 and turned a flamethrower on Mr Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds (pictured)

 Mr Cummings, who was ousted in an influence battle in December (left), accused Downing Street Director of Communications Jack Doyle (proper) of constructing ‘plenty of false accusations’ to the media in a single day.

The complete value of the work on the Downing Street flat overhaul is believed to be a five-figure sum

What has Downing Street stated in response to Dominic Cummings? 

On the weblog as an entire, a No 10 spokesperson stated:

‘This authorities is completely targeted on preventing coronavirus, delivering vaccines and constructing again higher.’

On allegations concerning the Number 11 flat:

‘At all instances, the Government and Ministers have acted in accordance with the suitable codes of conduct and electoral regulation. Cabinet Office officers have been engaged and knowledgeable all through and official recommendation has been adopted.

‘All reportable donations are transparently declared and printed – both by the Electoral Commission or the House of Commons registrar, consistent with the necessities set out in electoral regulation.

‘Gifts and advantages obtained in a ministerial capability are, and can proceed to be, declared in transparency returns.’

Regarding claims Mr Johnson mentioned dropping a leak inquiry:

‘The PM has by no means interfered in a authorities leak inquiry.’

 

Newspapers have been briefed yesterday that the PM believed Mr Cummings was ‘engaged in systematic leaking’ and had turn out to be ‘bitter about what’s occurred since he left’. 

Mr Cummings give up No 10 final 12 months after he and former communications director Lee Cain misplaced an influence battle with Miss Symonds.

The briefing horrified many Tory MPs, who feared Mr Cummings would retaliate. One MP warned the row might rapidly turn out to be a ‘combat to the loss of life’. 

An ally of Mr Cummings warned that the Prime Minister would ‘reside to remorse’ his attack on the mastermind of the Vote Leave marketing campaign.

And final night time Mr Cummings hit again with an incendiary assertion that threatens to destabilise the Government within the run-up to a vital spherical of elections subsequent month.

He opened up by accusing Downing Street’s new director of communications, Jack Doyle, of constructing ‘plenty of false accusations to the media’ in opposition to him ‘on the PM’s request’. 

Mr Cummings flatly denied being the supply of a number of leaks. He stated he was not ‘instantly or not directly’ behind the leak of non-public textual content messages wherein the PM instructed Sir James Dyson he would ‘repair’ a tax concern threatening to hinder his agency’s participation in a race to develop a brand new ventilator design on the top of the pandemic final 12 months.

And he stated he was prepared to share the contents of his mobile phone with a Cabinet Office leak inquiry.

Mr Cummings additionally denied being the supply of the infamous ‘chatty rat’ leak final 12 months, wherein the PM’s intention to order a second lockdown was leaked to the Mail earlier than it had even been finalised.

He stated Cabinet Secretary Simon Case had instructed the PM he was happy Mr Cummings was not the supply of the leak.

And he claimed Mr Case instructed Mr Johnson that ‘all of the proof positively leads to Henry Newman and others in that workplace’.

Boris Johnson made a go to to Hartlepool as we speak. Tory MPs concern he and Dominic Cummings might be headed for ‘mutually assured destruction’ after Number 10 sources accused the PM’s former chief aide of leaking personal textual content messages.

The Mail understands that the attack on Mr Cummings was personally ordered by Mr Johnson. One Westminster supply claimed Mr Johnson had been ‘put up to it’ by Miss Symonds (pictured with Mr Johnson in March 2020), who was stated to be incandescent about briefings claiming she had tried to injury the careers of younger Tory girls.

Boris Johnson mentioned halting the ‘chatty rat’ leak inquiry when the finger was pointed at Carrie Symonds’ good friend Henry Newman, Dominic Cummings claims 

By Simon Walters for the Daily Mail 

Dominic Cummings sticks the knife into Downing Street aide Henry Newman, claiming Cabinet Secretary Simon Case had cited him because the ‘chatty rat’ – the supply of the story final November that the Government was poised to impose one other lockdown.

But Mr Cummings’ actual ire is reserved for the Prime Minister and the way he dealt with the revelation. Boris Johnson‘s first thought was how his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, would react.

Mr Cummings reveals that Mr Johnson stated he might have to hearth Mr Newman – ‘and it will trigger me very severe issues with Carrie as they’re greatest mates’. Perhaps, the PM mused, he might get Mr Case to halt the leak inquiry?

Mr Cummings says he dismissed such a transfer as ‘mad’ and ‘completely unethical’. Mr Johnson could not cancel an inquiry a couple of leak that affected thousands and thousands of individuals, simply because if would possibly implicate his girlfriend’s mates, he stated.

Mr Case’s discovery should have been a scrumptious second for Mr Cummings. There is not any love misplaced between the previous adviser, on one aspect, and Miss Symonds and Mr Newman on the opposite. Indeed, Miss Symonds and Mr Newman’s friendship is predicated on political ambition, a love of ABBA – and the downfall of Dominic Cummings.

The pair rose via the Conservative Party ranks on the similar time and are actually on the coronary heart of the No 10 operation. In February, Mr Newman was promoted to assistant of Mr Johnson’s deputy chief of employees Baroness Finn.

Miss Symonds and Mr Newman have shaped a bond that goes past politics.

Before her relationship with Mr Johnson hit the headlines, she spoke out courageously about her terrifying teenage ordeal by the hands of the so-called ‘black cab rapist’ John Worboys. In 2018, she campaigned to reverse the Parole Board’s resolution to grant him an early launch – and turned to Mr Newman for recommendation.

Mr Newman defended Miss Symonds when her relationship with Mr Johnson turned public, tweeting: ‘Carrie Symonds protection too usually displays a misogyny that enticing girls cannot even be gifted. I’ve recognized her for years. Proud to name her my good friend.’

The pair regularly tweet one another about their shared love of ABBA, and danced alongside to the band’s data at Miss Symonds’ thirtieth celebration in 2018.

Later that 12 months, Miss Symonds organised a Twitter ballot forward of Mr Newman’s look on a BBC political programme, tweeting: ‘Today is Christmas Jumper Day. Should @HenryNewman put on a jazzy festive quantity?Oxford graduate Mr Newman, who lives in Hampstead, north London, reduce his political tooth within the Cabinet Office when David Cameron was PM. He left authorities when Theresa May took over, however returned to work for Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove when Mr Johnson changed her.

Mr Newman is a senior No 10 adviser and an in depth good friend of Miss Symonds and Michael Gove.

A senior Government supply final night time stated the claims made in opposition to Mr Newman have been ‘completely false’, including: ‘He would not be working in Downing Street if he was suspected of leaking information.’ 

Who is Henry Newman? 

Mr Newman is a former adviser to Mr Gove and an in depth good friend of the Prime Minister’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds.

In the previous the PM’s fiancee has tagged him in a bunch {photograph} of Tory canvassers on Twitter as one in every of ‘4 of my favorite folks’. 

He beforehand ran the eurosceptic Open Europe assume tank and was in Mr Gove’s staff when he famously betrayed Mr Johnson within the 2016 Tory management contest.

However, he’s reportedly usually invited to the Downing Street flat by Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds, in contrast to Mr Gove.

Earlier this 12 months he turned a senior advisor in No10, main to fears that allies of Mr Gove and Ms Symonds have been muscling into the PM’s internal circle.

In 2019, Mr Newman wrote of his admiration for Cummings, saying he was ‘one in every of only some political advisers who understands the significance of, and is really dedicated to, reforming the Whitehall machine’.

Lord Frost, the negotiator behind Mr Johnson’s Brexit deal, threatened to resign over the brand new appointment  over considerations his function as Brexit adviser was being marginalised.  

Last night time it was claimed that some Downing Street officers had insisted that the inquiry into the lockdown leak had concluded that Mr Cummings was the leaker. 

It was even claimed that MI5 had been introduced in to examine. Asked on LBC radio final night time if he had tried to cease the leak inquiry after being warned it might implicate Mr Newman, Mr Johnson replied: ‘No, in fact not.’

Downing Street sources yesterday advised Mr Cummings was additionally the supply of damaging leaks concerning the couple’s lavish flat renovation. 

But Mr Cummings stated the PM had ‘stopped speaking to me about this matter’ whereas nonetheless in Government due to his opposition to the concept of attempting to fund it through a charitable belief. He stated he was glad to co-operate with any Electoral Commission inquiry.

However, in feedback possible to be seized on by No 10, he stated he wouldn’t reply ‘each allegation’ made by Downing Street about his conduct.

In a devastating conclusion, Mr Cummings wrote: ‘It is gloomy to see the PM and his workplace fall to date beneath the requirements of competence and integrity the nation deserves.’

Ministers are actually braced for extra devastating allegations when Mr Cummings seems earlier than a parliamentary inquiry into Covid on May 26. Last night time he stated he would reply questions ‘for so long as MPs need’.

The PM yesterday declined to level the finger at Mr Cummings, saying folks ‘aren’t a lot focused on who’s leaking what to whom because the substance of the difficulty’.

Former international secretary William Hague stated Mr Cummings’ allegations might be ‘very damaging’ to Mr Johnson.

He stated the previous adviser was ‘attempting to do as a lot injury to the PM as doable’.

Downing Street declined to remark on the bombshell assertion final night time. Mr Doyle and Mr Newman have been contacted for remark however didn’t reply. 

Is Dominic Cummings REALLY the ‘chatty rat’ mole? Finger has beforehand been pointed at Matt Hancock, Michael Gove and a stream of presidency advisers 

Downing Street has been looking for the id of the so-called ‘chatty rat’ who has been leaking delicate materials from the guts of Government for six months.

Dominic Cummings shouldn’t be the one identify within the body for the supply of damning information that raises severe questions concerning the conduct of the prime minister and his high staff. 

He was first bounced into saying November’s four-week lockdown early after the plans emerged within the press.

The ‘rat’ instructed Saturday morning’s newspapers {that a} earlier day’s assembly of the omnipotent Covid Quad committee had determined to introduce a second nationwide lockdown inside days: anti-lockdown hawks within the Government declare that Mr Johnson had meant to spend the weekend learning the latest and correct knowledge – and discussing it with the remainder of the Cabinet – earlier than deciding whether or not to lengthen his regional system of tiered restrictions as a substitute. 

It got here amid a spike in Covid circumstances final October that prompted requires a ‘circuit-break’ shutdown.

Mr Cummings was nonetheless in submit as Boris Johnson’s chief aide on the time, and suspicion additionally fell on different arms of the Government machine.

Matt Hancock 

At the time, anti-lockdown hawks believed that pro-lockdown ‘doves’ leaked particulars of a so-called ‘quad’ assembly of Johnson, Rishi Sunak, Gove and Hancock the day past to cease the Prime Minister from watering down the shutdown plans. 

Mr Johnson despatched safety specialists to the houses of Cabinet ministers together with Mr Hancock to look at their private cell phones as a part of a serious leak inquiry.

The Health Secretary has regularly drawn the ire of hawks throughout the previous 12 months, rising as a key advocate inside Government of prolonged lockdowns designed to save lives.

Sources say he has clashed with Sunak and different hawks who would have fairly stored the financial system open to keep away from financial stress. 

Mr Hancock has categorically denied any involvement within the leak. 

Michael Gove 

Investigators into the lockdown leak known as at Mr Gove’s West London residence and demanded to see his mobile phone, earlier than analyzing his calls, textual content messages and WhatsApp conversations.

It got here as a livid Mr Johnson ordered Cabinet Secretary Simon Case to arrange the probe.

Mr Gove and his advisers have been glad to hand over their telephones as a result of that they had ‘nothing to conceal’. 

Despite repeated requests over the previous six months, the outcomes of the probe into the ‘chatty rat’ have by no means by no means been revealed. 

Henry Newman

Mr Newman is a former adviser to Mr Gove and an in depth good friend of the Prime Minister’s fiancee, Carrie Symonds.

He was accused by factions throughout the Vote Leave motion of being the Chatty Rat, with allegations that he partially wiped his telephone after the inquiry started.

The claims later turned out to be false and Mr Newman denies being the leaker. 

Mr Newman has been each Mr Gove’s right-hand man and an in depth good friend of Ms Symonds for years. 

Earlier this 12 months he turned a senior advisor in No10, main to fears that allies of Mr Gove and Ms Symonds have been muscling into the PM’s internal circle.

The Civil Service

Suspicion has additionally been levelled at senior civil servants, with some accused of leaking particulars of the lobbying scandal to destabilise the Tories and assist Labour.

They are additionally suspected of utilizing leaks to attempt to ‘sabotage’ the Brexit withdrawal negotiations final 12 months, and to present advance discover to the Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer about Government insurance policies within the pipeline – giving him time to construction his responses.

Tory spy-hunters imagine a ‘cell’ of Labour supporters, centred on the Cabinet Office, was activated final 12 months after Dominic Cummings, Mr Johnson’s former senior adviser in No 10, declared {that a} ‘laborious rain’ was coming for the Civil Service as a part of deliberate reforms to break up Whitehall’s grip on the institution.

Dominic Cummings’ bombshell assault (and why it is so devastating): Former No 10 aide denies leaking the PM’s Sir James Dyson texts and washes his arms of the Downing Street flat farce

1: Dyson denial

Dominic Cummings opens his assertion with a flat denial of No 10’s declare that he leaked textual content messages from Boris Johnson to Sir James Dyson, wherein the PM promised to ‘repair’ a tax drawback amid the race to develop ventilators for Covid sufferers.

Mr Cummings says he doesn’t have copies of the related exchanges on his telephone and is glad to co-operate with a leak inquiry.

He factors the finger on the Treasury, saying officers have instructed him Rishi Sunak’s division was despatched screenshots of the PM’s texts to Sir James.

Dominic Cummings opens his assertion with a flat denial of No 10’s declare that he leaked textual content messages from Boris Johnson to Sir James Dyson

2: Fiancee farce

Mr Cummings claims the PM mentioned halting the hunt for the so-called ‘chatty rat’ – who leaked information of a second lockdown – after proof pointed to a good friend of his fiancee.

Mr Cummings stresses that he was cleared of any involvement within the leak by the Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case. ‘All the proof’, he says, led to one other No 10 aide: Henry Newman, an in depth good friend of Miss Symonds and Michael Gove. However, Mr Cummings claims the PM warned that sacking Mr Newman would ‘trigger me very severe issues with Carrie’, and even thought-about halting the inquiry. The declare was denied final night time by No 10.

3: Flat-out incorrect

Washing his arms of any involvement with lavish renovations in Downing Street, Mr Cummings once more pleads not responsible to leaking.

Playing down options he was the supply of damaging tales concerning the flat’s decor, he says the PM had ‘stopped talking to me about this matter’ final 12 months due to his opposition to getting donors to pay for it.

His provide to help with a doable Electoral Commission inquiry into the affair will set alarm bells ringing for No 10, which has made frantic efforts to play down the difficulty for weeks.

 4: I’ll co-operate (a bit)

Here, Mr Cummings says he’ll co-operate with efforts to get to the underside of some – however not essentially all – leaks.

While his assertion is shot via with a way of wounded innocence, his refusal to reply ‘each allegation’ is probably going to be seized upon by critics as an admission of some stage of wrongdoing.

5: Broadside for Boris

This devastating private attack on the PM demonstrates simply how far relations have deteriorated between the 2 males.

Having masterminded the 2016 marketing campaign to lead Britain out of the EU, they then delivered the largest Tory majority because the days of Margaret Thatcher in 2019’s common election.

Mr Cummings claims the PM mentioned halting the hunt for the so-called ‘chatty rat’ – who leaked information of a second lockdown – after proof pointed to a good friend of his fiancee

Many are possible to ponder whether Mr Cummings is in any place to act as an arbiter of integrity following his notorious journey to Durham throughout final 12 months’s lockdown.

6: This is simply the beginning

Mr Cummings requires an ‘pressing Parliamentary inquiry’ into the conduct of the Government throughout the pandemic – together with the accusations levelled at him this week.

In an ominous growth for the PM, he threatens to set the ball rolling when he seems earlier than MPs subsequent month to focus on the dealing with of the Covid disaster, which he has beforehand stated went ‘catastrophically incorrect’.             

Dominic Cummings warned Boris Johnson he might be breaking the regulation if he let Tory donors pay for brand new decor for his Downing Street flat 

By Simon Walters for the Daily Mail 

Dominic Cummings instructed Boris Johnson he might be breaking the regulation if he went forward with plans to get Tory donors to pay for brand new decor for his Downing Street flat.

The Prime Minister’s former No 10 chief of employees stated he warned the proposal was ‘unethical, silly and probably unlawful’ and he had refused to assist prepare any such funds.

As a results of him expressing his opposition to the concept, Mr Cummings claimed, Mr Johnson stopped discussing strikes with him to get donors to fund the flat refurbishment.

Boris Johnson, pictured with Carrie Symonds, was instructed by Dominic Cummings the proposal was ‘probably unlawful’

Mr Cummings claimed Mr Johnson’s newly appointed director of communications, Jack Doyle, had ‘made accusations’ about him yesterday

Boris Johnson’s high advisor Lord Lister quits after solely two months as Gulf envoy as Downing Street lobbying row rages on 

By James Robinson for MailOnline 

A high aide to Boris Johnson has tonight give up after solely two months in his function, amid the continued row over lobbying.

Lord Udny-Lister, a high aide to Boris Johnson, has tonight give up after solely two months in his function, amid the continued row over lobbying

Lord Udny-Lister – a trusted political advisor to the Prime Minister and who labored alongside him throughout his time as Mayor of London – is to step again from his function as particular envoy for the Gulf.

It comes after a collection of tales concerning the 71-year-old peer’s earlier work throughout the personal sector.

These contains reviews within the Mail on Sunday final week  that Lord Udny-Lister owned shares in an organization that has gained practically £1million in Government and NHS contracts. 

Tonight a supply instructed the Telegraph that there have been ‘no hyperlinks between the disclosures and Lord Lister’s departure’.

The supply additionally instructed the paper that the timing of his departure was linked to Mr Johnson’s journey to India – which was cancelled due this week due to Covid.

Meanwhile, Downing Street spokesperson instructed MailOnline: ‘The Prime Minister is massively grateful for Lord Lister’s devoted service over a few years.

‘He has been an excellent servant to the nation, to the Government and to the Prime Minister when he was mayor of London.’ 

A key Johnson ally, Lord Udny-Lister was solely revealed because the Government’s particular envoy for the Gulf in February.  

It was reported on the time that the function will focus on strengthening hyperlinks with the area, in addition to driving funding to the UK. 

Lord Udny-Lister had been performing chief of employees in No 10 till former Treasury official Dan Rosenfield relieved him of the function.

His feedback got here in an announcement issued on his web site instantly after the Government revealed yesterday that Mr Johnson had lastly been pressured to pay from his personal pocket in the direction of the price of the residence refit.

The PM’s U-turn adopted a collection of revelations within the Daily Mail since February detailing how the Tory get together paid £58,000 in the direction of the refurbishment of the No 11 flat after which tried to disguise it.

The complete value of the work is believed to be a five-figure sum.

Mr Cummings claimed Mr Johnson’s newly appointed director of communications, Jack Doyle, had ‘made accusations’ about him yesterday concerning ‘leaks in regards to the PM’s renovation of his flat.’

In a fierce counter-attack, Mr Cummings acknowledged: ‘The PM stopped talking to me about this matter in 2020 as I instructed him I believed his plans to have donors secretly pay for the renovation have been unethical, silly, probably unlawful and virtually actually broke the principles on correct disclosure of political donations if performed in the way in which he meant.

‘I refused to assist him organise these funds. My data about them is subsequently restricted.’ Mr Cummings added he was prepared to share his information concerning the matter with Cabinet Secretary Simon Case or the Electoral Commission watchdog which screens get together funding.

This newspaper disclosed on March 20 that the Electoral Commission had requested Conservative chairman Ben Elliot if the get together had complied with strict electoral legal guidelines on political donations.

According to well-placed sources, the Prime Minister agreed to pay up himself after he was instructed it isn’t permissible for a political get together to use its funds to refurbish the Prime Minister’s official residence; neither is it acceptable for a Tory donor pay for it privately. In a 3rd blow, it’s understood the plan to channel the cash to the flat through a proposed ‘Downing Street Trust’ has additionally been dominated out.

Cabinet Office Minister Lord True confirmed yesterday that plans for such a belief to protect Downing Street as an entire are nonetheless into account.

However, insiders revealed one of many primary causes Mr Johnson has pursued the concept of a belief so vigorously since the price of the flat soared – to recoup the £58,000 – has additionally been thrown out.

Officials are believed to have suggested that the belief can be utilized for the Downing Street rooms, the place receptions for visiting dignitaries and charitable features are hosted, however they can’t be used for brand new wallpaper for the flat – both now or sooner or later.

Together with Mr Johnson’s settlement to pay in the direction of the flat from his personal revenue, it will counsel Mr Cummings’s instincts have been proper all alongside.

A No 10 spokesman stated final night time: ‘At all instances, the Government and ministers have acted in accordance with the suitable codes of conduct and electoral regulation. Cabinet Office officers have been engaged and knowledgeable all through and official recommendation has been adopted.

‘All reportable donations are transparently declared and printed – both by the Electoral Commission or the House of Commons registrar, consistent with the necessities set out in electoral regulation.

‘Gifts and advantages obtained in a ministerial capability are, and can proceed to be, declared in transparency returns.’

 ANDREW PIERCE: Is this battle between Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings mutually assured destruction?

When the defenestrated Dominic Cummings left No 10 in November, he was prepared for his close-up.

Scruffy as ever, a lanyard dangling round his neck, eyes downcast and clutching a big cardboard field, he exited via the well-known entrance door bathed within the glare of photographers’ flashes.

The rigorously contrived scene, in time for the night information bulletins, prompted a raft of jokes in Downing Street about what was within the field. Suggestions ranged from stale sandwiches or his assortment of nerdy tomes on expertise to soiled laundry.

But one senior determine watching the unfolding drama on TV in Boris Johnson‘s research was not so positive. ‘I hope that field is not full of stuff that might come again to hang-out us,’ he noticed.

He was solely half joking. The Prime Minister, by all accounts, laughed off the suggestion that Cummings, as soon as his trusted and omnipotent chief adviser, would possibly take a loud revenge for his sacking. Well, maybe he isn’t laughing fairly so laborious now.

The Prime Minister, by all accounts, laughed off the suggestion that Dominic Cummings, as soon as his trusted and omnipotent chief adviser, would possibly take a loud revenge for his sacking. Well, maybe he isn’t laughing fairly so laborious now. (Above, the pair on Election night time in 2019)

Boris Johnson is shamed into paying £58,000 invoice for the Downing Street refurbishment himself after the Tory Party settled it then tried to disguise the reality 

Boris Johnson has been shamed into paying for the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat after the Daily Mail uncovered how the Tory Party settled the invoice – after which tried to disguise the reality.

The Mail first revealed in February that the Prime Minister had requested Tory donors to contribute to the price of redecorating, amid fears that spending ordered by his fiancee Carrie Symonds was ‘uncontrolled’.

His bid to sweep the scandal beneath the plush carpet collapsed on Wednesday, when the Mail printed damning emails despatched to get together chairman Ben Elliot, a nephew of the Duchess of Cornwall.

In one, despatched in October, Tory donor Lord Brownlow stated he had given £58,000 to cowl funds ‘the get together has already made’. Lord Brownlow added that the donation needs to be attributed to the ‘quickly to be shaped Downing Street Trust’.

A second e mail confirmed that the multimillionaire, an ex-policeman turned entrepreneur, had been requested to run the belief by Mr Johnson personally final June.

The proposed belief was purportedly meant to protect your entire Downing Street property, however it didn’t exist on the time of the donation – and nonetheless does not. 

Critics declare the concept was a ruse to recoup cash spent on the Number 11 flat. Mr Johnson and Miss Symonds reside there as it’s bigger than the house above No 10.

Miss Symonds was reportedly keen to do away with the ‘John Lewis furnishings nightmare’ inherited from Theresa May. 

This led her to fee the modish – and costly – eco-friendly inside designer Lulu Lytle, whose work contains rattan furnishings, gold wallpaper and wrought-iron finishings. 

Admirers of her decor embrace Prince Charles, who visited her Leicester workshop final 12 months. 

Multiple sources at senior ranges of the Government and Conservative Party have expressed outraged that Mr Johnson, 56, and Miss Symonds, 33, not solely refused to pay for his or her revamp, but in addition needed Tory donors to bail them out.

The Government appeared to attempt to bury Mr Johnson’s climbdown yesterday by having it introduced within the House of Lords by Cabinet Office minister Lord True. 

He stated the price of work on ‘portray, sanding and floorboards’ within the flat could be met by the taxpayer, however ‘any prices of wider refurbishment on this 12 months have been met by the Prime Minister personally’.

Those sixteen phrases are possible to have value Mr Johnson round £58,000. 

The Government didn’t say how a lot he paid, or when. Lord True stated the Government had been ‘contemplating the deserves’ of organising a belief for future refurbishments, however the ‘legally advanced’ plans stay ‘ongoing’.

Despite his £161,000-a-year wage, Mr Johnson’s mates declare he has struggled to make ends meet since coming into Downing Street. Confirmed to have no less than six youngsters, he has been via an costly second divorce.

 

The psychodrama that has erupted round Cummings about who leaked what texts and when is probably massively damaging for the Prime Minister.

Last 12 months Mr Johnson risked his fame and that of his Government by backing Cummings regardless of public outrage at a breach of lockdown guidelines on the aide’s notorious 260-mile sprint from London to the North East.

Seven months later, nevertheless, the Prime Minister sacked him, apprehensive that his Government was now not working with the thuggish Cummings at its head, and persuaded by a coterie of senior feminine advisers – together with his companion Carrie – that change was wanted.

Now, with Cummings recognized on the entrance pages of three nationwide newspapers – every spoon-fed the story by No 10 – because the supply of damaging leaks in current months, Mr Johnson has whacked him. Or, as a senior Tory stated final night time, he has ‘declared all-out warfare’ on Cummings.

Other extra cynical observers level to the No 10 claims being a basic ‘useless cat’ technique wherein spin medical doctors introduce a dramatic new reality to divert consideration away from an embarrassing concern or two.

This week the headlines have been dominated by escalating claims of Tory sleaze after the discharge of textual content messages between Mr Johnson and the businessman Sir James Dyson.

Then, on Thursday night time, the Treasury launched dozens of pages of correspondence from 2020 between David Cameron and the disgraced financier Lex Greensill and the Treasury, additional fuelling that scandal.

But, after No 10’s intervention to hyperlink Cummings to so-called ‘revenge leaks’, consideration has been diverted to the bogey man determine of the previous aide. ‘There is a way of exasperation in No 10,’ says a supply. ‘The Government has been doing properly within the polls and that has occurred post-Cummings. I do not assume Cummings might bear it, so he launched his wrecking ball.’

Either approach, it’s a high-risk PR technique, with some Westminster watchers describing it as akin to kicking a hornets’ nest, with everybody about to get stung.

Last night time Cummings issued a bombshell assertion rebutting a ‘variety of false accusations’ made by No 10 to the media. He castigated Mr Johnson and his workplace for incompetence and a scarcity of integrity, whereas claiming that an alleged plan to have donors secretly pay for the renovation of the Downing Street flat was ‘probably unlawful’.

There is little question that when Cummings was in No 10 he would have been copied into many texts and messages despatched by Mr Johnson and senior ministers. Did he hold them as an insurance coverage technique or certainly for revenge? He says not. However, many senior Tory MPs are blaming the Prime Minister for what one stated was a ‘catastrophic failure of responsibility of care’.

‘Cummings was on the coronary heart of each main Government resolution since Boris turned PM,’ the MP stated. ‘He noticed confidential papers, was the keeper of secrets and techniques, and noticed Boris’s close-up relations with Carrie. It’s astonishing Boris by no means tried tougher to hold Cummings on aspect. He’s now paying the value.’

Just how necessary Cummings was within the courtroom of Mr Johnson can’t be underestimated. When Boris opted to again Leave within the 2016 referendum, he was launched by Michael Gove to Cummings, then marketing campaign supervisor for Vote Leave.

It was an impressed pairing – the flamboyant MP who as London mayor had been the most well-liked politician in Britain and the data-driven strategist with a aptitude for eye-catching slogans. It was Cummings who coined ‘Take again management’.

When Mr Johnson turned international secretary in Theresa May’s authorities, she stopped him from hiring Cummings. But as quickly as Boris turned get together chief, Cummings was appointed his high adviser, sparking unease amongst senior Tories. He was seen as a free cannon, famously described as a ‘profession psychopath’ by Mr Cameron.

Yet Cummings quickly proved his value, arising with a brand new slogan (‘Get Brexit Done’), efficiently arguing for a December 2019 common election, and appropriately figuring out that Labour’s ‘purple wall’ was susceptible. He focused it and demolished it.

There is little question that when Cummings was in No 10 he would have been copied into many texts and messages despatched by Mr Johnson and senior ministers. Did he hold them as an insurance coverage technique or certainly for revenge? He says not. However, many senior Tory MPs are blaming the Prime Minister for what one stated was a ‘catastrophic failure of responsibility of care’. (Above, collectively in September 2019)

This week the headlines have been dominated by escalating claims of Tory sleaze after the discharge of textual content messages between Mr Johnson and the businessman Sir James Dyson. Then, on Thursday night time, the Treasury launched dozens of pages of correspondence from 2020 between David Cameron and the disgraced financier Lex Greensill (above, with Cameron in Saudi Arabia) and the Treasury, additional fuelling that scandal

Secure inside No 10, he and different Vote Leave staffers equivalent to his loyal lieutenant Lee Cain, then head of communications, have been on a mission. They took the view that they have been Whitehall outsiders battling an entrenched elite.

Cummings would brook no disloyalty to Boris and, considerably mockingly now, handled suspected ‘leakers’ ruthlessly.

Then, on the top of the pandemic final spring, he broke lockdown guidelines with that journey to Durham. Mr Johnson stood by his unrepentant aide via the furore that adopted, however by doing so, he was burning via his political capital – one thing he belatedly recognised.

When Cummings did lastly depart, he rejected all interview requests and aside from giving proof to a committee of MPs final month, has stayed largely silent. But there isn’t a doubt he’s an offended man.

Was he biding his time? Is Downing Street clever to have tried to flush him out? Or is that this transfer, as some Westminster insiders counsel, an act of ‘mutually assured destruction’.

Ex-Fleet Street journalist Jack Doyle is the No 10 official accused by Dominic Cummings of constructing ‘plenty of false accusations to the media’ 

The senior No 10 official sensationally accused by Dominic Cummings of constructing ‘plenty of false accusations to the media’ is Jack Doyle.

Doyle, 41, has had a meteoric rise to one of the senior positions in Downing Street within the 12 months since leaving journalism.

Just final week the previous senior political reporter on the Daily Mail was appointed director of communications to Boris Johnson. 

But virtually instantly he has been plunged into controversy.

Mr Cummings, the PM’s former senior adviser, accused Jack Doyle (pictured) of getting been the No 10 supply who briefed newspapers on Thursday night time

In an excoriating weblog Mr Cummings, the PM’s former senior adviser, accused Mr Doyle of getting been the No 10 supply who briefed newspapers on Thursday night time that he, Cummings, had been liable for a collection of damaging leaks.

Now father-of-two Mr Doyle could have to use all his communications expertise to stop the damaging intervention escalating right into a full-blown disaster for his Prime Minister.

Mr Doyle, the son of a policeman, labored on the Mail for ten years, first as residence affairs correspondent earlier than becoming a member of the political staff, the place he rose to the function of assistant editor (politics).

Last January he was plucked by Mr Johnson’s first director of communications Lee Cain to be part of No 10 as press secretary.

Towards the tip of the 12 months Mr Cain resigned, to get replaced by James Slack, a former Daily Mail political editor. Mr Doyle turned his deputy. When Mr Slack introduced this 12 months that he was quitting to be deputy editor-in-chief at The Sun, Mr Doyle was appointed to take his place.

A supply instructed PR Week: ‘Jack lacks Whitehall expertise however he speaks of continuity and has expertise with the media.’ 

Mail exposés that rocked No 10: From the second lockdown to the Downing Street flat makeover and Carrie’s affect… how our revelations have despatched PM and his advisers right into a tailspin 

By Jason Groves for the Daily Mail 

In the previous six months, Downing Street has been rocked by a string of revelations within the Daily Mail, which have despatched Boris Johnson and his advisers right into a tailspin.

The Prime Minister, who as soon as vowed to finish the leaking tradition that helped destroy Theresa May‘s administration, has proved unable to cease the discharge of a slew of damaging revelations.

While some have targeted on authorities coverage and his private dealings with enterprise tycoons and world leaders, others have lasered in on his personal private conduct.

As Political Editor JASON GROVES reviews, claims concerning the redecoration of his Downing Street flat and the conduct of his girlfriend Carrie Symonds have enraged each the Prime Minister – and his {powerful} fiancee.

The Prime Minister (pictured with Carrie Symonds), who as soon as vowed to finish the leaking tradition that helped destroy Theresa May’s administration, has proved unable to cease the discharge of a slew of damaging revelations

LOCKDOWN 2

Boris Johnson is claimed to have been ‘apoplectic’ after plans for a second nationwide lockdown have been leaked to the Mail on the finish of October, earlier than that they had even been finalised. The leak got here hours after authorities scientists had satisfied the Prime Minister that one other lockdown was wanted.

The revelation threw No 10 into disarray and compelled the PM to quick observe the lockdown announcement. Allies of the Prime Minister stated he believed the leak had been an try to ‘bounce’ him right into a lockdown he was nonetheless deliberating over.

A significant leak inquiry was launched to discover the so-called ‘chatty rat’, with ministers together with Michael Gove and Matt Hancock ordered to hand over their telephones. But yesterday No 10 stated it had but to conclude.

WALLPAPERGATE

The Mail has delivered a string of extraordinary revelations concerning the redecoration of the Downing Street flat ordered by the PM’s fiancee Carrie Symonds.

The first, in March, revealed that officers have been trying to set up a charitable belief to assist pay for the lavish makeover by upmarket inside designer Lulu Lytle, which is claimed to have value up to £200,000.

Leaked emails have since revealed that just about £60,000 of Tory Party funds have been used to assist pay for the renovations, sparking requires an investigation by the Electoral Commission into doable misuse of get together funds.

CARRIE’S INFLUENCE

A collection of tales within the Mail has revealed the affect wielded behind the scenes by Miss Symonds – a former director of communications for the Tory get together.

In November final 12 months, the Mail revealed that the Prime Minister had chosen former TV journalist Allegra Stratton, who’s Miss Symonds’ good friend, to be his new press secretary as a result of in any other case ‘Carrie will go effing crackers’.

And in February, this paper revealed Miss Symonds tried to injury the profession of civil service ethics chief Helen MacNamara, who had refused to log out the flat refurbishment and has since give up. The following months, the Mail revealed claims that Miss Symonds had tried to block the careers of a string of younger feminine Tories allegedly deemed too enticing.

THE SAUDI SHEIKH

Last week, the Mail revealed that Mr Johnson was instantly lobbied by controversial Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to intervene with the Premier League after it blocked a Saudi bid to take over Newcastle United. Bin Salman, who’s accused of authorising the homicide of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, messaged the PM to ask him to ‘right’ the choice or danger damaging diplomatic relations. Mr Johnson requested his senior aide Eddie Lister to examine however the Saudis withdrew.

DILYN THE DOG

The Mail has printed plenty of tales concerning the No 10 canine Dilyn, which reportedly angered the PM and Miss Symonds.

In November, the Mail revealed that Miss Symonds had urged Mr Johnson to break off from a Covid disaster assembly so as to complain a couple of newspaper report claiming the couple needed to do away with the canine.

In February, it was claimed that No 10 aide Katie Lam left her job after clashing with Miss Symonds when Dilyn cocked his leg over her purse at a gathering within the Downing Street backyard.

FOOD HAMPERS

Last month, the Mail revealed that the PM and Miss Symonds have common meals hampers ‘smuggled in’ to Downing Street from one in every of Britain’s poshest natural farm retailers Daylesford – which is owned by Lady Bamford, spouse of the billionaire JCB tycoon and Tory donor Lord Bamford.

The paper reported that round 30 big containers of meals, together with up to 100 ready meals have been delivered in current months at a value of £12,500. 

Read More at www.dailymail.co.uk

source https://infomagzine.com/boriss-fiancee-put-him-up-to-attack-on-cummings/