Housing minister Robert Jenrick watched a promotional video for a £1bn housing development promising a 'new urban oasis' on a media mogul phone. He watched it on Richard Desmond's phone at a Conservative Party fundraiser held at the Savoy Hotel, London, last November, The Sunday Times reported. It came just in time to save Mr Desmond, 68, a reported £40 million from a new local levy. However, a spokesman for Mr Jenrick said: ‘At no point was he advised to recuse himself from the process. Planning Propriety Guidance had been followed at all times.’No 10 did not respond to questions concerning any meetings between the Prime Minister and Mr Desmond.

Source: Daily Mail June 21, 2020 01:10 UTC