The lucrative secrets of Boris Johnson

This episode of Today in Focus dives into the post-premiership activities of Boris Johnson, particularly in light of an investigation titled 'The Boris Files' conducted by The Guardian. The investigation is based on a collection of documents obtained from Johnson's private office, revealing a timeline of Johnson's actions and potential breaches of conduct guidelines set for former ministers.

Following his departure from Downing Street in July 2022, Johnson was formally reminded of the ethical standards he should uphold, including a two-year ban on lobbying for business or financial gain using contacts made during his time in government. However, evidence unearthed suggests that he may have violated these rules by engaging with controversial figures, including Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and establishing commercial ties with companies like Better Earth. In particular, his meeting with Maduro in early 2024 raised eyebrows as it coincided with a lucrative payment from a hedge fund connected to the meeting.

The episode unfolds details about Johnson's various engagements, including unpaid advisory roles and paid speeches across the globe, highlighting that he earned over £5 million from 34 paid speeches within a short span. It also touches on the implications of his lobbying activities with the Saudi government through connections established during his premiership, indicating a probable breach of the rules governing his conduct as a former Prime Minister. The investigation has sparked political responses and calls for scrutiny from various parties, raising questions about the ethical implications of Johnson's activities post-office and how they align with the responsibilities he had while in power.