The Boris Files: Unpacking the Controversies Surrounding Boris Johnson's Post-Premiership Activities

The Boris Files consist of approximately 2GB of leaked documents from Boris Johnson's private office, revealing potential ethical breaches and commercial interests since he left Downing Street in September 2022. The data, obtained by the US non-profit Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoS), includes emails, invoices, and contracts, raising questions about Johnson's use of public funds and adherence to lobbying regulations.

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The leaked documents indicate that Johnson has claimed £182,000 in Public Duty Costs Allowance (PDCA) funds, intended for administrative expenses related to his public duties. However, the files suggest that these funds may have been used to support his private business interests, including his consultancy firm, Better Earth, which he pitched to senior Saudi officials. Johnson's office employed three full-time staff, all reportedly involved in his commercial ventures, prompting scrutiny over the appropriateness of using taxpayer money for private gain.

The Guardian

Additionally, the files reveal Johnson's involvement in a controversial meeting with Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, where he allegedly received £240,000 from hedge fund manager Maarten Petermann shortly after the meeting. This raises questions about whether Johnson acted as a diplomatic backchannel or engaged in unethical lobbying.

The Guardian

Johnson has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding the allegations stemming from the Boris Files. The Cabinet Office confirmed that Johnson claimed PDCA funds for staff salaries in his private office, but the lack of oversight over these expenditures has led to calls for greater transparency. The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) has expressed concerns about Johnson's compliance with lobbying restrictions, particularly regarding his interactions with foreign governments.

The Guardian

Critics argue that Johnson's actions reflect a troubling trend among former prime ministers exploiting their public office connections for personal enrichment. The revelations have drawn comparisons to the Greensill Capital lobbying scandal involving David Cameron, highlighting a perceived lack of accountability for former leaders. The files have intensified calls for reform of the PDCA system to prevent misuse of public funds.

The Guardian

While the Boris Files provide substantial evidence of Johnson's post-premiership activities, there are gaps in the narrative, particularly regarding the exact nature of his dealings with Petermann and the Saudi government. Johnson has denied any wrongdoing, but the lack of clarity surrounding these interactions leaves room for speculation about potential ethical violations.

The Guardian

The fallout from the Boris Files is likely to prompt further investigations into Johnson's conduct and the use of public funds by former prime ministers. As scrutiny intensifies, Johnson may face pressure to clarify his business dealings and ensure compliance with established lobbying regulations.

The Guardian

• “The public has a right to know.” — The Guardian's reporting team

The Guardian

• “I would very much like to explore whether [Better Earth] could be useful to you and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in achieving your ambitions – because I believe it certainly could.” — Boris Johnson in a letter to Prince Mohammed

The Guardian

• “Lord Pickles concluded there remained “a reasonable concern” Johnson was acting for the company in “a capacity that would be considered advisory work” and had breached the rules by failing to properly answer Acoba’s questions.” — Eric Pickles, former chair of Acoba

The Guardian

• “It is not true to say that I was paid for any meetings in Venezuela.” — Boris Johnson regarding his meeting with Maduro

The Guardian

The Boris Files have opened a critical dialogue about the ethical responsibilities of former leaders and the need for transparency in their post-government activities.

The Guardian