Electoral Commission to investigate as PM denies breaking rules
The Electoral Commission launched an investigation yesterday of the party’s role in funding the redecoration of the home that he shares with his fiancée and son above 11 Downing Street.
It said there were “reasonable grounds to suspect” that the law had been broken because of the failure to report donations.
The commission has the power to order any individual — including the prime minister and his fiancée, Carrie Symonds — to hand over text messages, emails and other information considered relevant to the investigation. It can also compel them to attend interviews. If it is denied access to documents, it can secure a warrant to search for them.
Johnson denied yesterday that he had personally breached the rules. His press secretary said he was prepared to give the commission evidence relating to the funding of the work.
However, The Times has been told of concerns within No 10 about Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ).
“The worry is that there could be a paper trail,” a government source said. “There was a very limited number of people who knew about the funding arrangements at CCHQ. It’s not clear how this will end.”
There is also concern in Downing Street that the Electoral Commission will interview Dominic Cummings, the prime minister’s former chief adviser, who described the alleged plan for Tory donors to fund the refurbishment as “unethical” and possibly illegal.
In a 1,000-word blog published last week, Cummings said he had told the prime minister that the plans “almost certainly broke the rules” on the disclosure of donations. He said that he would be happy to speak to the commission.
The noose tightens around His Majesty's neck!
