Boris Johnson has ‘humbly and sincerely’ apologized to ethics chief Lord Geidt after pleading with a Tory donor to fix his ‘tip’ of an official apartment with £ 112,000 – then claiming he forgot because that it was on his old phone

Downing Street today posted a humiliating ‘lost’ WhatsApp message claiming that Boris Johnson sent a Tory donor begging for more money to revamp his apartment out of favor and favor.

The Prime Minister failed to inform his own ethics adviser about the message, which he sent to his counterpart Lord Brownlow in November 2020 as the six-figure makeover spiraled out of control.

The text exchange shows the Prime Minister asked Lord Brownlow for “approvals” for the over £ 112,000 makeover, moaning the apartment above 11 Downing Street was a “bit of a tip” – despite the fact that he had a new kitchen in the last decade.

He urged the donor to provide the money, saying he was “willing” to let the designer take care of it. Lord Brownlow responded by promising to continue the work, adding: “There is only me and I know where the £ will come from”.

The Prime Minister has been accused of lying to watchdog Lord Geidt saying he did not know who funded the over £ 112,000 makeover until three months later.

Yet today Mr Johnson was cleared – after claiming he forgot the messages because they were on his old phone.

The prime minister blamed a security breach, in which his phone number was left online for more than a decade, for the change.

He offered a “humble and sincere” apology to Lord Geidt.

Lord Geidt cleared the Prime Minister but said there were “potential and real process failures in more than one part of the government apparatus”.

He added that he “doubted” that he would have concluded “without reservation” that Boris Johnson declared his interests in accordance with the ministerial code, if the texts had been available at the time of his initial investigation.

It comes after the Tories were fined £ 17,800 by the Election Commission last month for breaking electoral law over flaws in the way money was declared.

The Prime Minister’s wife Carrie oversaw a redecoration in the four-bed living space above 11 Downing Street – traditionally used by PMs because it is larger and more luxurious than the two-bed apartment above No10.

The makeover by designer Lulu Lytle reportedly included an £ 840 wallpaper, a £ 9,800 Baby Bear sofa and a £ 3,000 Lily Drum table.

The lavish renovation cost between £ 112,000 and £ 141,000. Boris Johnson ultimately paid £ 112,000 in the money himself following a media storm.

But the November 2020 text to Lord Brownlow shows the efforts the Prime Minister has made to try to avoid footing the bill.

The couple also discussed plans for a “great exhibition” like the one organized by the Victorians, which established the Crystal Palace.

Mr Johnson texted Lord Brownlow on November 29: ‘I’m afraid some parts of our apartment are still a bit of a tip and I want to allow Lulu Lytle to take care of that.

“Can I possibly ask him to contact you for approvals?”

“Many thanks and all the best Boris.

“Ps am on the big show plan will come back.”

Lord Brownlow replied three hours later: ‘Afternoon, Prime Minister, I hope you both are well.

“Sorry for the delay, I was out for a walk and didn’t have my ‘work’ phone with me.

“Of course ask Lulu to call me and we’ll fix it ASAP!” Thanks for thinking about GE2. Best wishes David ”

The donor then texted again, adding: “I should have said, as the Trust is not yet set up (will be in January), approval is a snap as there is no has only me and I know where the £ will come from.

“So as soon as Lulu calls, we can crack – David.”

The Prime Minister today refused to answer detailed questions, insisting: “I have always followed ministerial directives”.

But Labor deputy chief Angela Rayner said: “Ah, the old ‘changed phone’ thing! An old one but a goodie. The Prime Minister learns from his ministers how to hide your questionable WhatsApps.

SNP deputy head in Westminster, Kirsten Oswald, added: “Boris Johnson’s shady Tory government is the most corrupt in decades. If the prime minister had had a touch of decency or integrity, he would have resigned months ago, but he is not doing it.

In a letter released today, Lord Geidt – who reportedly considered stepping down – admitted: “The episode shook my confidence precisely because potential and actual failures of the process occurred in more than one part of the government apparatus. “

He said it was “unwise” that neither Mr Johnson nor Number 10 attempt to alert him of any further communication.

He added: “If I had been aware of the missing exchange, I would have had further questions and drawn attention to this one in my report.

“More importantly, I doubt that I would have concluded, unreservedly, which is stated in paragraph 33 of my report, that” at the time the Prime Minister became aware, he took steps to make the relevant statement and seek advice “.”

Yet, after the prime minister’s apology, the ethics chief said he could “close the deal” and his assessment that the prime minister had not broken the Ministerial Code had not changed.

He told Mr Johnson: “I am very grateful to have your apologies for these shortcomings and to know your determination to prevent such a situation from happening again.”

This breaking news is being updated.

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