To call sexism on BoJo flat costs

[Hoorayforsunshine]

Headlines (ok the DM) seem to focus on the fact that it’s Carrie’s do over of the flat.

The issue is the man finangling ways to find the money, and resorting to questionable methods. The fact that she was involved in the refurb is irrelevant.

I hate the Tories and I’m no Carrie fan but the coverage smacks of sexism. She’s such a Lady Macbeth, making him spend the money, wanting to spend so much, etc etc.

Why is no one questioning his judgement as to whether it’s a good idea at all? Barack Obama opted not to renovate the Oval Office when he took over because it wasn’t appropriate or a good look during the recession.

YANBU/ YES- this is typical sexism at work
YABU - nothing to see here

She's awful, he's awful, they're all awful.

The Carrie is such a managing bitch stuff gives me Meghan Markle vibes. She probably turned down Piers Morgan or something.

Poor judgement from the both of them. Equally to blame, after all they're a partnership, and would have equal say in what happens or is spent in their home.

No?

They’re both have poor judgment. He’s despicable.

Its work-related accommodation (effectively) and he's the one with the job, so ultimately his responsibility.

Everyday sexism at work.

They're CHOOSING to live in the flat - they don't HAVE to.....
it also only for the short time period he's in office.....
it also does not need redecorating as everything in there is new and no doubt in perfect working order.

They could also bring over their furnishings from their other home.....

They're just typical entitled and monied spongers who are abusing the rules and the principle of setting up a CHARITY......unlike many of us they don't have to struggle for money or que at foodbanks.......they're just greedy and grabby...........and Carrie needs to get a proper job instead of fannying about and trying to make it look as though she has an important role to play - she's his partner and mother of his child - NOT somebody the public voted in........

@DudeistPriest

The Carrie is such a managing bitch stuff gives me Meghan Markle vibes. She probably turned down Piers Morgan or something.

This did make me laugh.

I an agreement type of way btw @DudeistPriest

I agree referring to Carrie Symonds as the driver of the work is double standards, as I am sure if it had been Philip May or Denis Thatcher very little would have been said.

It also is a convenient distraction for the DM to cover it instead of the dodgy or corrupt award of contracts, or the much larger sum being spent on the media room.

I think it is legitimate criticism really. Carrie did the renovations.

Agree they are both awful. They are absolutely dreadful individuals it appears.

Definitely sexist. What was the reference to Theresa May’s John Lewis furniture. If it’s the partners who do the decorating why wasn’t that Philip May’s interior design that needed to be fixed.

I've never understand the sheer size of updating bills. Nobody spends like that, unless someone else is paying.

The DM is doing an awful lot of news burying at the moment. So many articles about M&H it’s utterly ridiculous and so boring.

I think you’re right that this is a little bit of everyday sexism, but it fits with their she devil in the driving seat narrative. Who knows what really goes on there. Certainly not us!

Do you really think that Boris is the driver of the renovations? Look at the state of him. Does he look like a man who cares enough about his surroundings to spend £200,000K on decor? He can't take it with him when he leaves. Hopefully, it will be a short tenancy.

There's a £30K cap on renovations for new tenants. The Camerons put in a new kitchen and paid the surplus themselves. They didn't rip it out and take it with them when they left. Boris is in no financial condition to be choosing trendy designers and expensive wallpaper, with all the children he has to support.

These are private quarters, for their benefit only. There are state rooms for entertaining dignitaries. They are only there during the week when Parliament is sitting. It's Chequers for weekends and recess.

Of course it's Carrie. Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she's above criticism.

She’s fucking dreadful but you’re right the fail are being dicks to her. It’s not as bad as what Meghan gets but it’s the same theme: “loveable English oaf is too in love with this awful and terrible woman to see she’s EVIL!!!”

I don’t know for sure but think there’s a lot of factionalism in Downing Street at the moment. There seems to be a Team Carrie that has a certain amount of influence where it comes to government policy and direction. My impression is that she and her sphere of influence is somewhat more liberal and softer than other notable Tory factions, especially on social / environmental issues. I think she is keen to not be seen to be part of a ‘nasty’ government. The Tory press, by and large, are on the side of the full on right wing bastards of the Tory Party and are therefore anti-Carrie and resent any influence she has on the PM. Of course there’s a lot of old fashioned sexism at play too. But I don’t think that we’d have heard anything like as much about the renovations if Carrie was more allied in her views with people like the CRG / ERG.

Not about the decorations, but Carrie Symonds as the former head of communications for the Conservative Party in my opinion has a valid point of view and input on political matters.

Carrie was sacked as Head of Communications. Everyone's briefing against each other. I've no idea whether the gossip about her time-keeping and excessive taxi bill was true, or whether Theresa May was behind it.

I do think she's had a remarkably favourable press so far, given the circumstances. We all know that Boris is a serial shagger, but it takes two to tango.

I doubt v much that Boris planned to have another baby. Or a dog. I remember wondering at the time who was going to be taking the puppy out every half an hour to house-train him - from a second floor flat.

As pp said, I think they're both awful. And Carrie hardly belongs to the moderate wing of the party. She was well on board for Brexit.

Interesting - lots of comments here still focus on the £200k cost.

Yes, it’s a lot of money - but if only £30k comes out of the public purse I don’t give a fig what they spend on side tables.

I care much more about the PM trying to come up with various schemes to pay for it including trying to get donors to pay for it. What will he do for them?

So, I care about sleaze and corruption issues/ risks. Not about £200k which is a lot of money but eAsily spent on a 4 bed property if you are buying fancy furniture and getting designers in. Again, this is a man who referred to his £275k (ish?) fee at the Telegraph as a trifling amount. So we’re not talking about people on minimum wage, this isn’t about them being normal people.

I still think massive sexism.

Goes without saying they are both awful, but why are we focusing on her. She isn’t the PM.

@Sandsnake interesting point.

@GladysTheGroovyMule indeed, MM gets racism plus sexism. So much fun. Almost like the fail want to remind women and non white people what happens if you don’t stay in your ‘place’. Bastards.

@Thymeout I think Boris’ dishevelled appearance is cynical and carefully contrived. Playing the clown to distract from what he is saying. I bet he wears posh suits etc.

Probably can take furniture, rugs etc with them when they go. Can’t spend it all on wallpaper and paint.

Where are Rishi & family living?

Wallpaper is £100 per metre. Doesn't it strike you as a bit of an extravagance to spend that much on a rented flat with possibly a very short-term tenancy? Btw Allegra Stratton, new Press Sec, says Boris simply not interested in stuff like interior decor, or expensive 'stuff'. Drove a clapped-out Toyota, covered in parking tickets.

Also, a bit of a pain for his successor to have to live with. There's a reason for greige and John Lewis sofas. Maximalism is a niche preference.

I don't think it reflects well on her at all. Who did she think was going to pay? Criticism seems justified to me. Just because she's a woman. doesn't get her a free pass when she does something reprehensible.

@lljkk They're still in their family home. Probably a lot grander than No 11.

@peak2021

I agree referring to Carrie Symonds as the driver of the work is double standards, as I am sure if it had been Philip May or Denis Thatcher very little would have been said.

It also is a convenient distraction for the DM to cover it instead of the dodgy or corrupt award of contracts, or the much larger sum being spent on the media room.

If Philip or Dennis are/were anything like my current or ex husband I'd be amazed if they had any interest in home decor. Maybe young men are different. I remember talking about redecorating a room after several years and my then husband said, "But we've done it once." Well we were late 20s so I didn't think we had to live with it for potentially (hopefully) then next 70 years.