PMQs as it happened: Boris Johnson says he 'covered the cost' of Downing Street flat refurb in fiery exchange
The Labour leader chose to focus almost exclusively on the allegations that Conservative donors funded renovation works to the apartment above Number 11 Downing Street
Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer had one of the most heated PMQs exchanges this year today as the Labour leader focussed his questions on accusations that the recent refurbishment works on the flat above Number 11 Downing Street were funded by Tory donors.
After leading with a question on the PM’s alleged ‘let the bodies pile high’ comment which was roundly rebuffed, Starmer shifted focus to Flat-gate, where he remained for the rest of the session.
Johnson insisted throughout that he has covered the costs of the refurb personally, but the wording of Starmer’s questions and the prime minister’s answers leaves open the possibility that the works were initially paid for by someone else.
Given the week Johnson is having it may come as a surprise that there came no knockout blow for Starmer, but Johnson has proved time and time again that he is at his best when backed into a corner, and he will likely have left the chamber after today’s PMQs feeling largely unscathed.