If Lemmy loves anything, it’s A.I. (/s) so here you go:
Summary
The article discusses the challenges faced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, particularly following the resignation of Health Secretary Matt Hancock due to a scandal. Amidst political turmoil, Johnson attended a gathering with wealthy Conservative party donors, where they expressed dissatisfaction with his cabinet and economic policies. The event was organized by Ben Elliot, the Conservative party’s co-chair, who has been instrumental in fundraising for the party. Elliot, known for his connections with the wealthy elite, has transformed the party’s fundraising culture, emphasizing access to government in exchange for donations. Johnson, who struggles with personal finances, relies on Elliot to maintain the party’s financial health as they prepare for the next election.
Johnson’s financial struggles are compounded by his recent divorce and the costs associated with his lifestyle, including a controversial renovation of the Downing Street flat. He initially sought to set up a charitable trust to cover the renovation costs but ultimately paid out of pocket. The article highlights Elliot’s role in securing significant donations for the Conservative party, particularly from property developers, and his influence over party finances. Despite recent controversies, Elliot’s fundraising strategies have been effective, and Johnson is expected to benefit financially after leaving office through lucrative speaking engagements. The article concludes by noting that while Johnson’s personal finances are precarious, he has a capable ally in Elliot to manage the party’s financial needs.
Some figures:
£17.9m Amount that donors with property interests and links to development have given the Conservative party since Johnson became prime minister
£275,000 Annual earnings as a columnist at The Daily Telegraph, penning articles on a weekly basis
£4,250 Monthly rental income from Grade II-listed cottage in Thame, Oxfordshire
At least £88,000 Amount Johnson received as an advance for his book ‘Shakespeare: The Riddle of Genius’
£250,000 Exact amount eight Tory donors gave in 2020
£37.4m Amount the Tory party raised in ‘large’ donations in the year running up to Johnson’s 2019 victory
£2.7m Johnson’s outside earnings over his eight years at City Hall
£1.2m Purchase price of Johnson and Symonds’ house in Camberwell, south London
£157,372 Prime minister’s annual salary
£830,000 Amount Johnson earned in his last year as a backbench MP before becoming prime minister
£450,000 Earnings for 21 hours of public speaking in just over seven months in 2018-19
£58,000 Donation from Tory patron Lord Brownlow, allegedly to pay for Downing Street refurbishments
Notable quotes
- “They’re fed up with all this state intervention,” reflecting the donors’ frustrations with Johnson’s economic direction.
- “Ben squeezes the pips from the donors,” describing Elliot’s aggressive approach to fundraising.
- “Boris would come down and complain about how much it was all going to cost,” highlighting Johnson’s concerns about the renovation expenses.
- “I suspect he wishes sometimes he hadn’t got involved at all. Boris is quite demanding,” indicating the challenges Elliot faces in managing Johnson’s financial issues.
- “His financial problems will be sorted out in a week after he leaves office,” suggesting confidence in Johnson’s future financial success post-premiership.
bungalowtill@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 day ago
Politicians who can’t afford a certain lifestyle get a little help making policy decisions by those who can provide the funds for the aforementioned lifestyle.
makyo@lemmy.world 1 day ago
Wait, bribery, can’t be