Labour has requested the federal government to clarify what it considers to be “unusual” Foreign Office (FCDO) spending throughout Liz Truss’s time as head of the division.
Shadow legal professional basic Emily Thornberry has written to the overseas minister Gillian Keegan in search of clarification about why 1000’s of kilos have been spent on prices together with wellness and sweetness therapies.
During the prime minister’s time as overseas secretary, the FCDO spent £1,841 at Norwich City membership store and £4,333.30 at a “barber and beauty shop”.
Earlier this yr, Ms Truss admitted that she was a Norwich City fan. “They’re a fine family club, what can I say?” she instructed Conservative members in Leeds.
Ms Thornberry additionally questioned the spending of round £10,000 at Fortnum & Mason and purchases made at a number of vineyards, numerous curry homes and The White Company and furnishings shops.
Referring to the unexplained prices, Ms Thornberry tweeted: “How did the Foreign Office manage to spend £4,333.30 on two trips to the hairdresser?”
Her newest letter to the FCDO got here after the division instructed her that the data she sought was “not readily available” or would infer a “disproportionate cost”. Labour disputes each of those claims.
The Labour frontbencher argued in her most up-to-date letter that the general public expects “proper checks” when there are indications of “unusual or excessive spending in any corner of government”.
Ms Thornberry additionally demanded to know why the FCDO’s spending on authorities procurement playing cards had shot up by 45 per cent since final September.
Annual spending on playing cards didn’t exceed £24.01m between 2019 and 2021. However, if present month-to-month averages for 2022 proceed, this yr’s prices will exceed £35 million, in keeping with Ms Thornberry.
The Independent has approached the FCDO for remark.
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk
