Story perspectives

Taxpayer Funds for Ex-PMs: Johnson Under Fire for Misuse

9/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

An analysis by The Guardian shows nearly £10 million of taxpayer money has supported former UK prime ministers' public duties over 30 years.
Under the Public Duty Costs Allowance (PDCA), former PMs can claim up to £115,000 annually for life.
Costs have increased as more former PMs, including Tony Blair and John Major, claim subsidies.
Boris Johnson faces scrutiny for allegedly misusing PDCA funds for private ventures, claiming £182,000 since leaving office.
Calls for investigations into PDCA oversight and Johnson's conduct have emerged, with Gordon Brown advocating for stricter regulations.

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Story summary

An analysis by The Guardian shows nearly £10 million of taxpayer money has supported former UK prime ministers' public duties over 30 years.
Under the Public Duty Costs Allowance (PDCA), former PMs can claim up to £115,000 annually for life.
Costs have increased as more former PMs, including Tony Blair and John Major, claim subsidies.
Boris Johnson faces scrutiny for allegedly misusing PDCA funds for private ventures, claiming £182,000 since leaving office.
Calls for investigations into PDCA oversight and Johnson's conduct have emerged, with Gordon Brown advocating for stricter regulations.