Boris Johnson is believed to be trying to set up a charity to help pay for a costly makeover of his Downing Street flat, after protesting at the huge bill.
The prime minister complained the cost of the refurbishment – carried out by his fiancée Carrie Symonds – was “totally out of control” and running to “tens and tens of thousands”, it was reported.
The charity scheme would be based on one used by the White House to raise millions of dollars for interior design, antiques and art, the Daily Mail said.
A multi-millionaire financier and Tory peer Lord Brownlow has been approached to run the charity, it said, with an application to register it with the Charity Commission underway.
The idea could provoke claims of a conflict of interest if it is seen as a backdoor way of providing a financial benefit to Mr Johnson.
While its official purpose would be to raise funds to preserve the heritage of Downing Street, the allegation is that it is motivated by the costs of the expensive makeover.
An article in Tatler magazine claims the overhaul saw Ms Symonds removing all vestiges of Theresa May’s “John Lewis furniture nightmare”.
It says the main living area of the flat has been painted deep green and is often lit by candles, while the couple chose not to hang pictures from the government art collection.
The decor is said to have been inspired by Lulu Lytle, a celebrated eco-interior designer, who makes furniture “based on traditional crafts, including blacksmiths”, the Mail said.
The prime minister is said to have expressed concern last year, after being informed by the Cabinet Office that the maximum taxpayer contribution would be about £30,000.
Despite his salary of £150,000 a year, Mr Johnson has taken a big pay cut because he earned £500,000 as a newspaper columnist and author before entering No 10, and has gone through an expensive divorce.
He reportedly discussed asking Conservative donors to pay some of the bills, but – after being warned against it – his advisers came up with the alternative idea of a charitable fund.
It would pay to maintain not just the No 11 flat, but also other parts of Downing Street, including the state rooms, allowing it to be presented as having a wider heritage purpose.
Downing Street declined to discuss whether Mr Johnson had voiced worries about the cost of the refurbishment, or discussed asking Tory donors to help pay for it, or was exploring a charity, the Mail said.
A No 10 spokesman said: “The Downing Street complex is a working building, as well as containing two ministerial residences.
“As has been the case under successive administrations, refurbishments and maintenance are made periodically.
“Matters concerning works on the Downing Street estate, including the residences, are covered in the Cabinet Office annual report and accounts.”
