Boris Johnson sought business with Saudi officials he had met while PM

"Johnson, who resigned from government in 2022, appears to have led the newly formed company's efforts last year to persuade the Saudi government to hire it to provide advice on reducing carbon emissions. The revelations, contained in leaked documents seen by the Guardian, appear to show Johnson exploited contacts he had made in Downing Street for commercial purposes. They raise questions about whether he breached lobbying restrictions imposed on former ministers."

"The letter is contained in the Boris Files, a cache of leaked documents that shine a light on Johnson's post-prime ministerial career. The files were obtained by Distributed Denial of Secrets, a US non-profit that archives data leaks. The cache offers an inside view of how Johnson has forged a lucrative career in the private sector after leaving government, using his influence and contacts made while in public office."

Boris Johnson approached senior Saudi officials he had met as prime minister to pitch services of Better Earth, a UK-based consultancy. He appears to have led efforts to persuade the Saudi government to hire the company to advise on reducing carbon emissions. Approaches included a lunch and a meeting in a private members' club with an influential Saudi minister he had met while in government. Johnson personally wrote a flattering letter to Mohammed bin Salman expressing admiration for the kingdom's vision. Leaked Boris Files obtained by Distributed Denial of Secrets show use of Downing Street contacts for commercial purposes and raise questions about breaches of post-ministerial lobbying restrictions. Better Earth's shareholders include seven close associates and advisers to Johnson, including two ex-Conservative ministers and a former aide, and key parties did not respond to requests for comment.

Read at www.theguardian.com