It scarcely comes as a surprise that there are few, if any, individuals around Boris Johnson who haven’t other irons in the fire. Among them is the prime minister’s Australian strategist Sir Lynton Crosby, who is thought to be behind the government’s recent push on “wedge” issues such as Rwanda and strikes, designed to drive a wedge between different groups of those who support opposing parties.
In a case of strange bedfellows, Crosby set up a lettings business a couple of years ago with Johnson’s old cabinet colleague Philip – now Lord – Hammond. It’s a sector where it’s hard not to make money, but alas, first trading accounts for Municipal Partners show it had a mere £3,825 in funds as of June 30, 2021. The outfit has still to make any property acquisitions, according to the Land Registry.
Hammond had little in common with Johnson politically. He was a Theresa May loyalist and a Remainer. He owns his stake in the business via Chiswell (Moorgate) – his holding company, while Crosby, who now attends Johnson’s morning meetings in recognition of his enhanced role aboard the sinking ship, has a 25% interest via his CT Group.
