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‘Interior resign’: what the papers say about the cash for curtains row

The Electoral Commission inquiry into funding for No 10 refurbishment fills the front pages
Dramatic scenes in Westminster and the Electoral Commission inquiry into the refurbishment of Boris Johnson’s flat fill the front pages of many British newspapers.
The Guardian leads on the PM’s “fury” over the inquiry into what has become known as the “cash for curtains” affair. With sweeping powers to call witnesses and refer matters to the police, it reports the watchdog saying the investigation was necessary because it already believed there were “reasonable grounds” to suspect payments for renovations to the PM’s flat could constitute offences.
https://twitter.com/guardian/status/1387511094801993739
The Times focuses on concern inside No 10 over a what the newspaper calls a damaging “paper trail” related to the refurbishment, adding that the commission has the power to order any individual, including Johnson and his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, to hand over text messages, emails and “other information considered relevant to the investigation”
https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/1387517495301521414
The Financial Times leads on the calls for “formal probes into who paid for Downing St facelift”, saying the electoral watchdog “suspects offence” and that No 10 says no rule was broken. The i reports that the PM will have to give evidence to the watchdog, adding that the case could be passed to the police for criminal investigation “if it is suspected that any failure to declare funding for the project was intentional” The Telegraph demotes the story to a down-page spot, also noting that Johnson may be forced to hand over emails about the flat. It adds that Conservative party chiefs and government advisers could also be ordered to share communications and financial documents with the watchdog, “with inspections of the party’s headquarters a possibility”. The Daily Mirror declares Johnson the “judge at his own trial” with the kicker: “Sleaze scandal grows”.
The Daily Mail, in keeping with the redecoration theme, has “Boris painted into a corner”. It describes the Electoral Commissions move as a “bombshell”, noting that “no prime minister has ever been interviewed under caution in relation to an alleged breach of the law”. It adds that Johnson “angrily told MPs … that he had settled the bill with his own money”. The Star has gone all out with the headline “Proper fancy wallpaper for EVERY prime minister” over a cut-out of a roll of the offending wall covering.
Pun of the day goes to the Metro and its inspired headline: “Interior resign”. The paper reports “fury at flat refurb”. The Express relegates the story to a picture only spot in the top right hand corner with the headline “Angry PM strikes back over ‘flatgate’”
source: Helen Sullivan
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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