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Two text messages from Chancellor Rishi Sunak to former prime minister David Cameron have been published
08/04/2021
They’ve been revealed amid a lobbying row
The Government has faced questions over its links with Greensill Capital, which has filed for insolvency after failing to secure support through the Government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility.
Concerns have also been raised over lobbying by Mr Cameron on Greensill’s behalf – including sending text messages to Mr Sunak.
The first message from Rishi Sunak to David Cameron, sent on April 3 2020, read: “Hi David, thanks for your message. I am stuck back to back on calls but will try you later this evening and if gets too late, first thing tomorrow. Best, Rishi.”
The second message from Mr Sunak sent on April 23 said: “Hi David, apologies for the delay. I think the proposals in the end did require a change to the market notice but I have pushed the team to explore an alternative with the Bank that might work.
“No guarantees, but the Bank are currently looking at it and Charles should be in touch. Best, Rishi.”
The Chancellor provided the messages following a Freedom of Information request.
The Treasury response added: “We are withholding the communications sent by David Cameron to the Chancellor. These communications were made by David Cameron in his capacity as an employee of Greensill, and with an expectation of confidence.”
Rishi Sunak also confirmed David Cameron lobbied three ministers, including himself, over the matter of Greensill Capital’s access to a Covid support scheme.
In a letter sent to shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds on Thursday, Mr Sunak wrote: “I can confirm that David Cameron reached out informally by telephone to me, and to the Economic Secretary and the Financial Secretary, on the matter of Greensill Capital’s access to the CCFF (Covid Corporate Financing Facility).
“The matter was referred to the relevant officials and, following appropriate consultations as outlined in the previous requests, the request was turned down.
“During this process, this was communicated to Greensill Capital by officials and, in parallel, by me to David Cameron.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub