Boris Johnson under pressure to explain how private office follows funding rules

"Boris Johnson is under mounting pressure to explain how his private office complies with rules over taxpayer subsidies after further revelations about how his staff appear to be overseeing his global commercial operations. A leak of data from the Office of Boris Johnson appears to show all three of his staff helping Johnson's business and profit-making ventures."

"The office is partly funded by the public duty costs allowance (PDCA), which rules say should only be used to support the public work of former prime ministers. Johnson said he had followed the rules. Five other former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May and Liz Truss have released statements saying they fully comply with rules prohibiting the use of public funds for private business. Brown said there was now a need for the introduction of new rules that would require former prime ministers to publicly declare their business interests."

"There are growing calls for the National Audit Office, which scrutinises public spending, including the PDCA scheme for former prime ministers, to launch an inquiry. Johnson did not directly respond to questions about the slew of revelations concerning his apparent attempts to monetise his time in Downing Street after stepping down as prime minister in September 2022. They include business ventures in Venezuela, the UAE and Saudi Arabia involving individuals he met while prime minister."

Boris Johnson faces pressure to explain how his private office complies with rules governing taxpayer-funded subsidies after leaked data appears to show his staff overseeing commercial operations. The leak appears to show all three staff helping Johnson's business and profit-making ventures. The office is partly funded by the public duty costs allowance (PDCA), which rules say should only support the public work of former prime ministers. Johnson denies any misuse and asserts he followed the rules. Other former prime ministers have stated their compliance. There are calls for a National Audit Office inquiry and proposals to require public declaration of former prime ministers' business interests. Reported ventures include dealings in Venezuela, the UAE and Saudi Arabia and alleged lobbying of the UAE for a billion-dollar private venture.

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