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Downing Street is trying to set up a charity that could cover the costs of the remodel of Boris Johnson’s flat, which he shares with his fiancée, Carrie Symonds.
A spokesperson for No. 10 would not deny reports in the Daily Mail that the prime minister is attempting to establish a charity where benefactors can contribute to the maintenance of Downing Street.
It is understood that Symonds has done a substantial remodel of the apartment over number 11 that he shares with Johnson and his young son, Wilfred. Johnson is known to have joked with Tory MPs about the cost of the remodel.
According to the Mail, the purpose of the charity fund would be to maintain not only the 11th floor, but also other parts of Downing Street, including the state rooms, and could therefore be presented as a broader patrimonial purpose.
It was reportedly based on a similar scheme used by the White House to raise funds for the interior design and redesign of the building, which is funded by private donors.
By tradition, incoming American presidents and their families can spend $ 100,000 to redecorate the White House, and the first lady is actively involved in the White House Endowment Fund, which maintains the structure of the building.
Symonds, who used to be the Conservative party’s communications chief but no longer holds an official position, has proven to be a controversial figure in the Johnson administration.
When Johnson’s top aide, Dominic Cummings, and communications director Lee Cain left their positions in Downing Street in November last year, it was widely reported that she had played a key role in his departure.
It followed claims that the couple had been reporting against her, along with allegations that the attacks had been fueled by misogyny.
There has also been speculation in the media about how much influence Symonds has over the prime minister’s policymaking on a variety of issues that concern her deeply, such as the environment and ending the premature release of rapists and murderers.
Last month, the conservative think tank Bow Group called for an independent investigation into his “possible influence” in the government. Downing Street said it was “wrong” to say that Symonds plays a central role.
The Mail said work on the 11th floor is believed to have been completed in recent months, after more than a year and facing disruptions due to the pandemic.
A spokesperson for No. 10 said: “The Downing Street complex is a working building, as well as containing two ministerial residences. As has happened in successive administrations, periodically renovations and maintenance are carried out.
“Matters related to the works on the Downing Street estate, including residences, are dealt with in the annual report and accounts of the Cabinet Office.”
