Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Show papers in ‘money for favours’ case
LABOUR will try to force the Government to publish papers about a planning decision that sparked “cash for favours” allegations.
Pressure is growing on Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick over his role in mogul Richard Desmond’s £1billion Westferry Printworks housing plan.
Mr Jenrick approved the East London scheme in January, despite a planning inspector’s opposition.
Two weeks later Mr Desmond, who is not guilty of any wrongdoing, gave £12,000 to the Tories.
Mr Jenrick reversed his decision accepting it was “unlawful by reason of apparent bias”. Labour’s Steve Reed said if he has nothing to hide “he has nothing to fear” from publishing the papers. has been tough as she has had swap shifts with colleagues. She now feels nearly super-human when it comes to sewing.
She said: “If I ever need to make a shortnotice costume (literally anything – man, woman, child, smart, fancy dress, made out of old crisp packets), I just need to raid the local charity shop and start a 90-minute timer with recordings of Joe Lycett shouting ‘five minutes remaining’.”
This year’s contestants have formed an extremely tight bond. Jewellery designer Nicole, 42, from London, said: “We will be friends for life. The experience of going through all those challenges in the sewing room together has cemented us.”
Nicole, taught to sew as a teenager by her mum in Trinidad, added: “They really are a fabulous bunch.”
Clare agreed: “I think we’re a bit like one of those gangs of oddball superheroes, who all have some mysterious talent that comes in handy in a tight spot.”
Sewing Bee, BBC1, tonight, 9pm