Today in Focus The lucrative secrets of Boris Johnson
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Sep 12, 2025 Henry Dyer, a member of the Guardian investigations team, dives into the explosive revelations uncovered from leaked documents linked to Boris Johnson’s post-premiership conduct. The conversation reveals troubling ethical implications, including a controversial meeting with Venezuela's Maduro and his ties with Saudi Arabia's leadership. Dyer discusses the demands for accountability and transparency from former leaders. The episode highlights Johnson's lucrative speaking gigs and the scrutiny surrounding his financial maneuvers after leaving office.
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Post-Ministerial Rules And Allowance Limits
- Former ministers must consult ACOBA for two years after leaving office before taking paid roles tied to government contacts.
- The public duty costs allowance covers only staffing for public duties and cannot fund private commercial activities.
Caracas Meeting And Subsequent Payment
- In February 2024 Johnson flew from a family holiday to Caracas and met Nicolás Maduro with Merlin founder Martin Peterman present.
- Weeks later Johnson received a £240,000 payment linked to Peterman, raising questions about the meeting's purpose.
Chequers Lunch Contradicts ACOBA Claim
- Leaked logs show Johnson hosted Martin Peterman for a two-and-a-half-hour lunch at Chequers shortly before leaving office in August 2022.
- Johnson told ACOBA he had no meetings with Merlin while in office, contradicting the Chequers log.