Boris Johnson blasted over ‘toothless’ standards adviser
Andrew Woodcock
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Boris Johnson has been accused of creating a “toothless” sleaze watchdog inside Downing Street after he rejected recommendations to give his new ethics adviser powers to launch inquiries into misbehaviour by ministers.
Under new terms of reference, independent adviser on ministerial interests Lord Geidt will be allowed to approach Mr Johnson with concerns about misconduct, but must wait for the green light from the prime minister before opening an investigation.
And the PM will retain his power to act as judge and jury over the finding of guilt and punishments handed out to ministers – even in Lord Geidt’s first investigation, into the propriety of the funding of renovations to Mr Johnson’s flat above 11 Downing Street.