Puts the boot in he leaked texts
Secretary Michael Gove, and “others in that office”.
But Mr Johnson wanted to drop an investigation to get to the truth because the aide was “best friends” with Ms Symonds and it would cause him “serious problems” if he had to sack him.
Mr Cummings wrote: “I told him this was ‘mad’ and totally unethical, that he had ordered the inquiry himself and authorised the Cabinet Secretary to use more invasive methods than are usually applied to leak inquiries because of the seriousness.
“I told him he could not possibly cancel an inquiry about a leak that affected millions, just because it might implicate his girlfriend’s friends.”
But a No 10 spokesman insisted yesterday: “The PM has never interfered in a Government leak inquiry.”
Mr Cummings called for an urgent investigation into the Government’s conduct during the pandemic He added: “It is sad to see the PM and his office fall so far below the standards of competence and integrity the country deserves.” As the PM’s most senior aide, Mr Cummings had access to sensitive political and personal information. He confirmed he will appear before MPs next month, saying: “I will not engage in media briefing but will answer questions to Parliament on May 26.” The spat between Mr Cummings and Mr Johnson erupted after the messages with Sir James were used by Labour to attack the PM, accusing the Government of “sleaze”. Sir James requested that his overseas staff would not have to pay additional tax if they came to the UK to work on the ventilator project after initially not receiving a reply from the Treasury.
The entrepreneur said the firm was ready but that “sadly” no one wanted them to proceed, to which Mr Johnson replied: “I will fix it tomo! We need you. It looks fantastic.”
Two weeks later, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the Commons Treasury Committee that the tax status of people who came to the UK to provide specific help during the pandemic would not be affected.