It was Boris! PM’S role in Jenrick row revealed
BORIS Johnson kicked off planning approval for a Tory donor’s controversial £1billion property development.
The scheme sparked outrage three years later when Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick cleared it this January – just a day before billionaire Richard Desmond would have been forced to pay out up to £40million under a new community levy.
Days later, Mr
Desmond gave the
Tories £12,000, sparking cash for favours claims.
Mr Jenrick – who was pictured sitting with Mr Desmond at a party fundraising dinner – had to rule his decision “unlawful by reason of apparent bias”.
The PM denied any role in approving expanded plans on the Isle of Dogs, East London.
But it has emerged that after a plea from Mr Desmond, Mr Johnson took control of the original planning bid while Mayor of London in 2016 – clearing it in his last week in office.
After Mr Johnson’s approval, expanded plans were filed.
John Biggs – mayor of Tower Hamlets, where 1,500 homes are planned – said: “All roads in this affair lead back to Boris.
“The community were against this project but Boris took over.
At the election he told voters his Government would be all for the little people. This shows what he has always been about: looking after rich friends.”
Faced with legal action by Tower Hamlets Council, the Mayor’s office wrote in February 2016 to justify the move. It said: “We consider the Mayor was entitled to become
bigger scheme are filed. 2019: Planning inspectors recommend refusal but Desmond makes direct appeal to Housing Secretary.
NOV: Robert Jenrick and Desmond seated together at Tory fundraiser. Officials
start work on application. DEC: Desmond’s office tells Jenrick that approval is needed by Jan 15 to avoid local taxes.
JAN 2020: Plans approved. MAY: Jenrick quashes his approval, accepting he acted “unlawfully”. the local planning authority and there is no merit in your proposed challenge.”
But Shadow Communities Secretary Steve Reed wants an inquiry, saying: “The rot in this scandal started with Boris Johnson’s dodgy decision.”
Mr Johnson acted within legal guidelines for mayors to rule on “significant” planning bids.
No 10 said: “The then Mayor considered a planning application with due process.”
Mr Jenrick said he was driven by a desire to build homes and did not know of the donation.
Mr Desmond, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, sold Express Newspapers to Sunday People owner Reach plc in 2018 and is an 8.6 per cent shareholder in the group.