Boris Johnson Claims No10 Looked Like a ‘Crack Den’ Before £225 per Roll Wallpaper Revamp
Boris Johnson made headlines when he claimed that his residence at 10 Downing Street resembled a “crack den” before undergoing a £200,000 refurbishment. The former prime minister found himself in a scandal after it was discovered that a donor initially footed the bill for the lavish renovation, which included extravagant items such as 10 rolls of wallpaper priced at £225 each and a £7,000 rug. Following initial payments by the Conservative Party, including a donation from Tory donor Lord Brownlow, Johnson later reimbursed the expenses from his own pocket.
In a recent interview with LBC, Boris Johnson refuted the £200,000 figure, insisting that the renovation cost was not as high as reported. He stated that he personally funded the refurbishment, mentioning that upon removing the carpets in the flat at number 11, it was evident that the place needed a significant overhaul. Johnson candidly described the state of the flat as resembling a “crack den” and highlighted the necessity for refurbishment.
The revamp of Johnson’s flat, referred to as “Wallpapergate”, was just one of the series of controversies that shadowed his leadership. Eventually, these scandals led to his party’s loss of confidence in him, culminating in his dramatic resignation. Johnson’s comments came as he criticised Sir Keir Starmer over a controversy involving freebies that dominated Labour’s initial months in government.
During the LBC interview, Boris Johnson questioned the ethics of prominent Labour donor Lord Alli being granted access to Downing Street after providing expensive items such as clothing and glasses to Sir Keir and other Labour members. Johnson contrasted this with his personal conduct, asserting that he does not accept donations for his suits or spectacles, implying that political figures should fund their own expenses.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Johnson received substantial contributions and gifts from Tory donors, including nearly £24,000 towards his wedding expenses with Carrie Symonds in 2022. The intertwining of donations, freebies, and political influence underscored the ongoing debates regarding transparency and ethical conduct within political circles.
The controversy surrounding the refurbishment of Johnson’s flat and the ensuing ‘Wallpapergate’ saga shed light on the intricate web of relationships between political figures and donors, emphasising the importance of accountability and integrity within the realm of governance. The revelations served as a stark reminder of the scrutiny that accompanies public office and the expectations of transparency from elected officials.