What's happened
Leaked documents reveal Boris Johnson lobbied Saudi officials on behalf of private firms in 2024, raising questions about potential breaches of lobbying rules and conflicts of interest. The revelations highlight Johnson's post-office activities and contacts with Gulf states, prompting calls for scrutiny.
What's behind the headline?
Johnson's post-office lobbying activities reveal a pattern of exploiting former contacts for private gain. The leaked documents show Johnson approached Saudi officials and a Gulf emirate to promote consultancy services, including a letter to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressing admiration for his vision. These efforts suggest Johnson may have breached UK lobbying restrictions, which prohibit former ministers from lobbying for two years after leaving office. The involvement of firms like Better Earth and Bia Advisory, co-founded or advised by Johnson, raises questions about conflicts of interest and the use of influence for financial benefit. The timing of these activities, shortly after Johnson's resignation, indicates a deliberate attempt to monetize his relationships and influence. The revelations also underscore the blurred lines between public service and private interests, especially when dealing with authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia. The potential breach of ethics rules could lead to political fallout, including calls for investigation or sanctions. Overall, these activities exemplify the risks of revolving-door politics, where former officials leverage their connections for personal profit, undermining public trust and transparency.
What the papers say
The Guardian and The New Arab provide detailed accounts of Johnson's lobbying efforts, highlighting the leaked documents and the context of his activities. The Guardian emphasizes Johnson's approach to Saudi officials and the letter to Prince Mohammed, suggesting potential breaches of lobbying restrictions. The New Arab focuses on Johnson's efforts to pitch consultancy services to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirate, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and ethics violations. Both sources underscore the pattern of Johnson's post-office career, using influence gained in public office for private gain. The Guardian notes Johnson's meetings and communications with Saudi officials, including WhatsApp exchanges, while The New Arab details his involvement with Better Earth and Bia Advisory, including financial arrangements and approvals from ethics watchdogs. The coverage collectively paints a picture of a former prime minister actively seeking to monetize his influence, with significant implications for political integrity and accountability.
How we got here
After leaving office in 2022, Boris Johnson engaged in private lobbying activities, leveraging contacts made during his time as UK Prime Minister. Leaked files show Johnson approached Saudi officials and a Gulf emirate to promote consultancy services, raising concerns about ethics and potential rule breaches.
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Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson Hon FRIBA is a British politician, writer, and former journalist serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2019.
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Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, colloquially known as MBS, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He is currently serving as the country's deputy prime minister and is also Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, Chairman of