Johnson’s Late Pay Declares a New Political Slapstick
In a twist no one saw coming, former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has been told by Parliament’s watchdog to own up to a £52,722.80 slip‑over that sits right under the eyes of the House of Commons.
What Went Wrong
- He missed a 28‑day deadline for nine separate payments.
- The total, just shy of £53,000, came from royalties on the books he writes.
- The investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards was thorough and left no room for “inadvertent” excuses.
From Resignation to Remarkable Columnist
After stepping down in July over the Brexit drama with Theresa May, Johnson has taken up a new gig writing weekly Daily Telegraph columns, earning a tidy £275,000 a year. It’s clear even the writing royalties were enough to stretch his accounting bones.
Chess Moves & Apology Shots
During the hearing, Johnson phoned the House and expressed genuine remorse:
“I fully accept that the delay was a breach of the House’s rules. I therefore offer the House a full and unreserved apology.”
He explained he had now hired a dedicated staff member to juggle his declarations, and that the nine payments have since been properly recorded.
What’s Next?
While Boris looks back at his “bookish” paychecks, the Commons will keep an eye on his new financial wizard. And whether he’s a serious contender for Party leadership remains another game to play.
