Robert Jenrick
Documents state minister was “insistent” scheme was pushed through before a new levy would cost Richard Desmond-backed project millions of pounds.
Labour plans to force housing secretary to release papers on Richard Desmond's Westferry Printworks Development.
Housing, communities and local government minister Robert Jenrick has had a meteoric rise to the Cabinet, only becoming an MP in 2014. One of the ministers entrusted to deliver the daily coronavirus briefings, his short time in the inner circle of government hasn’t been without controversy. At the beginning of the pandemic, he was accused of not adhering to the guidelines but now a decision he made on a property development is being called into question by opposing parties who see a conflict of interest.
Housing secretary defends decision to approve party donor's £1bn housing scheme, as Labour accuses him of being caught up in "cash for favours" row.
A junior minister was sent to face MPs instead of the housing secretary. Desmond donated £12,000 to the Conservatives after his firm's project was "unlawfully" approved.
Housing secretary admitted “unlawfully” signing off scheme by the publishing magnate, who is a Tory party donor.
Figures reveal billionaire gave money to Tories shortly after the housing secretary "unlawfully" approved a new £1bn development.
But charities say the move is a "sticking plaster, not a cure" without further action to protect renters.
Labour warns of "undue influence" as it highlighted the PM approving the Westferry development when he was London mayor.
Housing secretary has admitted “unlawfully” signing off a 1,500-home development by publishing magnate Richard Desmond.