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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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- April 23, 2025
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Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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