Boris's Brain is missing

[Psamathe]

Thinking further, Johnson does write books. Given his credibility is shot to pieces in the UK, the market for his publications will be limited. However, in the US Democrat leaning people probably not interested. His main potential market will be Republicans. Maybe a couple of arena appearances on stage with Trump (brief appearances, handshake or two).

And then there is the lucrative US lecture market, again, unlikely to get much from Democrats but wealthy Republicans is where he'll be seeking people to attend for vast sums.

Have I become a cynic?

Ian

[Jdsk]

"I am writing to you in my capacity as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) regarding a failure to follow the government’s Business Appointment Rules (the Rules) by the Rt Hon Boris Johnson."

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... G_-_BJ.pdf

That was about his work for the Daily Mail. It's worth rereading.

"Boris Johnson did not consult watchdog over paid role with hedge fund":
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... las-maduro

Another watchdog that needs bigger teeth.

Jonathan

[Jdsk]

"I am writing to you in my capacity as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) regarding a failure to follow the government’s Business Appointment Rules (the Rules) by the Rt Hon Boris Johnson."

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... G_-_BJ.pdf

That was about his work for the Daily Mail. It's worth rereading.

"Boris Johnson did not consult watchdog over paid role with hedge fund":
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... las-maduro

Another watchdog that needs bigger teeth.

Letter from ACOBA:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... yn__1_.pdf

1 Johnson wouldn't co-operate:
Mr Johnson clearly feels strongly that there has been no reason to seek advice, however, with respect to Mr Johnson, it is not his decision to make; it is ACOBA’s. Mr Johnson is evasive in his dealings with the Committee on this matter, has avoided answering specific questions and refused to be open about his relationship to Merlyn Advisors.

2 The rules aren't fit for purpose, and the government hasn't acted on this:
In the meantime, as owner of the Rules, what action to take in relation to this breach is a matter for the government. Given the Rules no longer have relevance in the modern world and are unenforceable to applicants determined to ignore them, there is little action you can take other than to acknowledge the breach.

Another great example of where better government is needed, regardless of policies.

Jonathan

[Jdsk]

... he can't find them.

"Sunak fails to hand WhatsApp messages from time as chancellor to Covid inquiry":
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/202 ... id-inquiry

To me it completely beggars belief the casual way in which major decsions seem to be made, how vested interests seem protected by complete failure of record keeping.

And no doubt exctly the same convenient lax record keeping persists today.

Expunge your record of poor decisions, undue influences, etc. all for the cost of a new mobile phone.

He's appearing at the inquiry today.

Massive leaks and spin in advance.

And the first questions are about his record keeping...

Simon Case has finally appeared at the the COVID inquiry:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/art ... simon-case

Jonathan

[Jdsk]

One MP, according to the BBC news, does the occasional shift on A&E. I am guessing they are a doctor, but I suppose they could be something else. Either way, I think I can see how that would keep an MP grounded in the real world. So I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that everyone on the list is doing something wrong.

You defend this lucrative second job and selective lobbying on the basis one one unspecified MP doing an unspecified job in A+E?

What about many of the rest?
Cabinet and ex-cabinet ministers over represented!!
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... -5m-a-year

One would have thought that being an MP and/or/ especially a Cabinet minister would be so time consuming that little time remained for extra interests.
Decent representation of one's constituents would happily fulfil the "grounded in the real world" stuff.
Surely?
....

I can appreciate a case for MPs to have some 2nd jobs e.g. the occasional working in A&E and those are at a very different end of the spectrum from the very lucrative paid lobbying/consultancy roles.

Trouble is how do you set rules that allow the acceptable and block the daft. Although not perfect somebody did suggest that MPs not being allowed to earn more (in total) than their MP salary (across all non-Mp jobs, incl. gifts e.g. free holidays, and obviously with qualifications like no deferral, etc.). Far from perfect but maybe a simple start.

I also heard that the reason the Conservatives wont do anything about it is that when a Minister is sacked in effect they are then able to take massive lucrative consultancies as a "conciliation prize" softening the getting sacked.

NB date.

My emboldening.

"UK government to prevent MPs taking on lobbying jobs":
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ar ... bying-jobs

Jonathan