Boris Johnson warned he might lose public authorized funding for COVID inquiry

Boris Johnson has been warned he might lose public funding for authorized recommendation if he tries to “frustrate or undermine” the federal government’s place on the COVID inquiry.

Cabinet Office attorneys have instructed the previous prime minister that public cash would “cease to be available” if he breaks situations similar to releasing proof with out permission, the Sunday Times reported.

Mr Johnson confirmed on Friday he had despatched unredacted WhatsApps on to the COVID inquiry which is being led by the retired choose Baroness Hallett.

This was in opposition to the place of the Cabinet Office, which has launched a authorized problem towards the request from the inquiry handy over such materials in unredacted type.

The Cabinet Office mentioned there have been “important principles at stake” – similar to the difficulty of privateness.

But in a letter to Baroness Hallett, Mr Johnson mentioned: “While I understand the government’s position, I am not willing to let my material become a test case for others when I am perfectly content for the inquiry to see it.”

The Sunday Times detailed a letter despatched by Cabinet Office attorneys to Mr Johnson final week which means that his actions might see him lose public funding for his authorized defence.

“The funding offer will cease to be available to you if you knowingly seek to frustrate or undermine, either through your own actions or the actions of others, the government’s position in relation to the inquiry unless there is a clear and irreconcilable conflict of interest on a particular point at issue,” it mentioned.

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They added that funding would “only remain available” if he complied with situations similar to sending the Cabinet Office “any witness statement or exhibit which you intend to provide to the inquiry so that it can be security checked by appropriate officials”.

The Cabinet Office mentioned the letter was “intended to protect public funds” so taxpayer-funded attorneys will not be used for every other function than aiding the inquiry.

Former tradition secretary Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of Mr Johnson, mentioned it was “not a good look for the government”.

“All evidence provided should be unfettered and not restricted by gov censorship – whatever form that may take,” she tweeted.

Tory donor Lord Cruddas, an outspoken backer of Mr Johnson, who handed him his peerage, urged former prime minister to not be “held to ransom” by the risk.

“Don’t worry @BorisJohnson I can easily get your legal fees funded by supporters and crowdfunding, it’s easy,” he tweeted.

A Cabinet Office spokesman mentioned: “This letter from officials simply reiterates that taxpayer-funded lawyers must be used to aid the Covid inquiry and for no other purpose.

“The letter makes clear Mr Johnson has an obligation to offer honest witness to the inquiry independently and regardless of the views of the present authorities.

“This letter was intended to protect public funds. It in no way prevents Mr Johnson from providing whatever evidence he wants to.”