Top DUP Spad had RHI boiler in shed

Brimstone didn’t stop discussions

ARLENE Foster’s former special adviser failed to step away from talks about a botched energy scheme despite having applied for it, an inquiry has heard.

Stephen Brimstone installed a biomass boiler at a shed beside his home and applied for the Renewable Heat Incentive in 2015.

He then failed to step away from high-level discussions or ask not to be sent emails about the scheme as it became clear costs were spiralling.

When asked to explain, Mr Brimstone said he was trying to be helpful to other DUP special advisers.

The inquiry is probing how RHI ended up causing the crisis which contributed to the collapse of Stormont.

There have been allegations the scheme’s over generous fuel subsidies led to people heating empty sheds for financial gain before cost control measures were introduced.

When Mrs Foster became First Minister in January 2016, she asked Mr Brimstone to become one of her advisers.

He told the inquiry he said to her verbally then he had applied to the RHI scheme.

Mr Brimstone said there had been discussion about the initiative and he felt he should tell her he had applied.

Mr Brimstone said Mrs Foster’s most senior adviser Timothy Johnston also knew he had applied, and had not told him to stay out of discussions about RHI.

When asked to explain why he did not step away from any discussions about RHI, Mr Brimstone responded: “I was trying to be helpful.”

When asked did he think it was a conflict of interest at the time, Mr Brimstone said: “I don’t believe I did.”

Invited to explain further, he told the inquiry: “I have asked myself that question so many times.

“I should have stepped back completely.”

EVIDENCE Brimstone