Boris Johnson has been accused of failing to provide promised leadership, ignoring Whitehall turf wars, and allowing a “dark ops” briefing operation within Number 10 which together threaten to jeopardise the high profile COP26 Summit in Glasgow this autumn.
The explosive claims are made in a lengthy letter from former COP26 President Claire O’Neill, who was controversially sacked on Friday amidst accusation and counter accusation over her performance in the role.
The letter – which was published by the Financial Times just hours before the Prime Minister this morning officially kicked off the countdown to COP26 – accuses the government of failing to give a clear explanation for the sacking, undertaking “disgraceful” briefing against the former Energy and Clean Growth Minister, and allowing the preparations for the crucial UN Summit to fall badly behind schedule and over budget.
O’Neill was informed on Friday by Johnson’s advisor Dominic Cummings that the offer made to her last summer to chair the Summit had been rescinded.
Reports following the announcement suggested Number 10 was concerned about O’Neill’s performance and level of experience, while Whitehall sources alleged there had been major personality clashes within the COP26 team and that O’Neill’s “abrasive” manner was ill suited to the role’s diplomatic nature.
However, O’Neill’s letter hit back at the briefing operation, while reports suggested she is currently consulting employment lawyers over her sacking.
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