Robert Jenrick Donor Revealed: An Open & Candid Exclusive
Robert Jenrick MP, a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party was mired in controversy over the last week, in regard to a donation of £75,000 made to his leadership campaign. An Open & Candid investigation revealed the likely source of this donation was Social Business Entrepreneur and Political Commentator, Mr Phillip Ullman.
Issuing a statement picked up by Sun Journalist, Harry Cole on X, Mr Ullman confirmed that it was he who had donated to Jenrick and that The Spott Fitness Ltd, was part of his family of business interests. Ullman's statement doesn't however cover his connection to the British Virgin Islands, company Centrovalli Ltd. Our thread issued by founder Damian Hastie
Issuing a statement picked up by Sun Journalist, Harry Cole on X, Mr Ullman confirmed that it was he who had donated to Jenrick and that The Spott Fitness Ltd, was part of his family of business interests. Ullman's statement doesn't however cover his connection to the British Virgin Islands, company Centrovalli Ltd. Our thread issued by founder Damian Hastie
Political Donations
New Warm Homes Grants
Over 1 million households are set to be lifted out of fuel poverty, as the government announces plans for the biggest potential boost to home energy standards in history. Families across the country are continuing to grapple with the consequences of high energy bills amid a cost-of-living crisis – with too many tenants exposed to a harsh daily reality of cold, draughty homes and expensive bills.
Government intervention is now well overdue to transform living standards and deliver the safety and security of warmer, cheaper homes that are free from damp and mould.
The Energy Secretary pledged to take action to reverse these failures of the past and stand with tenants, with a commitment to consult by the end of the year on boosting minimum energy efficiency standards for private and social rented homes by 2030.
Currently, private rented homes can be rented out if they meet Energy Performance Certificate E, while social rented homes have no minimum energy efficiency standard at all.
The government will now shortly consult on proposals for private and social rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030. The government has also announced a new Warm Homes: Local Grant to help low-income homeowners and private tenants with energy performance upgrades and cleaner heating, and confirmed the continuation of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, as well as the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which replaces the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, to support social housing providers and tenants.
Today’s announcements kickstart delivery of the government’s Warm Homes Plan, which will transform homes across the country by making them cleaner and cheaper to run, from installing new insulation to rolling out solar and heat pumps.
Government intervention is now well overdue to transform living standards and deliver the safety and security of warmer, cheaper homes that are free from damp and mould.
The Energy Secretary pledged to take action to reverse these failures of the past and stand with tenants, with a commitment to consult by the end of the year on boosting minimum energy efficiency standards for private and social rented homes by 2030.
Currently, private rented homes can be rented out if they meet Energy Performance Certificate E, while social rented homes have no minimum energy efficiency standard at all.
The government will now shortly consult on proposals for private and social rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030. The government has also announced a new Warm Homes: Local Grant to help low-income homeowners and private tenants with energy performance upgrades and cleaner heating, and confirmed the continuation of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, as well as the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which replaces the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, to support social housing providers and tenants.
Today’s announcements kickstart delivery of the government’s Warm Homes Plan, which will transform homes across the country by making them cleaner and cheaper to run, from installing new insulation to rolling out solar and heat pumps.
Net Zero
Charity Commission open inquiry into Christian Charity
Barnabas Aid, a Christian charity dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians worldwide, is under scrutiny as the Charity Commission has initiated a statutory inquiry following serious allegations of financial misconduct involving the charity's CEO, Noel Frost.
The investigation has brought to light a series of controversies, including claims that Frost, 47, misused company credit cards for personal expenses such as flights to Las Vegas, bicycles, and electronics. Additionally, he is accused of transferring over £130,000 into accounts linked to him personally—allegations he denies, stating that the flight expenses were incurred by mistake and disputing the claims of personal transfers.
The revelations have not only tarnished the reputation of the charity but also led to significant internal strife, resulting in the suspension of three founding members. The controversy extends beyond financial issues, with accusations of a "toxic culture" within the organization under the leadership of its founder, Rev Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo.
An interim report from a law firm conducting an independent investigation into Barnabas Aid's operations disclosed Frost's past, revealing that he had been struck off as a solicitor in South Africa for defrauding clients, a fact that surfaced shortly before his appointment as CEO.
The investigation has brought to light a series of controversies, including claims that Frost, 47, misused company credit cards for personal expenses such as flights to Las Vegas, bicycles, and electronics. Additionally, he is accused of transferring over £130,000 into accounts linked to him personally—allegations he denies, stating that the flight expenses were incurred by mistake and disputing the claims of personal transfers.
The revelations have not only tarnished the reputation of the charity but also led to significant internal strife, resulting in the suspension of three founding members. The controversy extends beyond financial issues, with accusations of a "toxic culture" within the organization under the leadership of its founder, Rev Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo.
An interim report from a law firm conducting an independent investigation into Barnabas Aid's operations disclosed Frost's past, revealing that he had been struck off as a solicitor in South Africa for defrauding clients, a fact that surfaced shortly before his appointment as CEO.
Charity Commission
GB Energy to be located in Aberdeen
Prime minister Keir Starmer has confirmed in his address at the Labour Party 2024 conference, that Great British Energy (GBE) headquarters (HQ) will be located in Aberdeen with two satellite sites serving the HQ in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
GBE is part of the government's mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower and to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030, which was included in its manifesto for the 2024 general election.
Aberdeen, Scotland has a history of energy development in several areas, including oil and gas, renewable energy, and community energy. Aberdeen's oil and gas industry began in the mid-20th century after the discovery of oil in the North Sea. The city's location, deep-water port, and skilled workforce have made it a global hub for the industry. Aberdeen Airport is the main heliport for the North Sea oil and gas industry, and Aberdeen Harbour is an important port for offshore oil rigs
GBE is part of the government's mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower and to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030, which was included in its manifesto for the 2024 general election.
Aberdeen, Scotland has a history of energy development in several areas, including oil and gas, renewable energy, and community energy. Aberdeen's oil and gas industry began in the mid-20th century after the discovery of oil in the North Sea. The city's location, deep-water port, and skilled workforce have made it a global hub for the industry. Aberdeen Airport is the main heliport for the North Sea oil and gas industry, and Aberdeen Harbour is an important port for offshore oil rigs
Net Zero
Chancellor orders investigation into £600mil of PPE contracts
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a block on any Covid-era PPE contract being abandoned or waived until it has been assessed by the new Covid Corruption Commissioner. The government are currently inviting applications for the position until the end of September.
This decision will affect £647 million of Covid PPE contracts where contract recovery was previously earmarked to be waived.
It follows action already in motion to cut government waste and curb unnecessary spending. In her statement to Parliament in July, the Chancellor pledged to halve government consultancy spend from 2025-26, with savings targets of £550 million this financial year and a further £680 million in the next already announced.
Excessive use of ministerial travel by aeroplane and helicopter is also being cutdown, with confirmation that a military contract for a helicopter also used for VIP trips, is not being renewed at the end of the year as previously announced.
This decision will affect £647 million of Covid PPE contracts where contract recovery was previously earmarked to be waived.
It follows action already in motion to cut government waste and curb unnecessary spending. In her statement to Parliament in July, the Chancellor pledged to halve government consultancy spend from 2025-26, with savings targets of £550 million this financial year and a further £680 million in the next already announced.
Excessive use of ministerial travel by aeroplane and helicopter is also being cutdown, with confirmation that a military contract for a helicopter also used for VIP trips, is not being renewed at the end of the year as previously announced.
Covid Contracts
Procurement Act 2023 Delayed
The UK Government have announced a delay in the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. The original go live date of 28 October 2024 has now been pushed back by 4 months to the 24th February 2025. The delay will allow for a smoother transition for both suppliers and contracting authorities. Public authorities should use the extra time to review their procedures and skillsets, and to ensure they are ready for the new regulations.
The act aims to deliver
The act aims to deliver
- Value for money: Ensuring that public money is spent wisely
- Transparency: Increasing transparency in the procurement process
- Supplier performance: Monitoring supplier performance, especially for contracts over £5 million
- Non-financial criteria: Considering quality, local job creation, and environmental impact
Government Spending
Government purchase ESO from National Grid
The UK government have purchased the Electricity System Operator (ESO) from National Grid in a £630 million deal, and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) was launched on October 1, 2024. The NESO is a publicly-owned body that will oversee the UK's energy network, including electricity and gas.
NESO's goals include:
NESO's goals include:
- Supporting clean energy
The NESO will help connect new renewable energy projects to the grid, which will help the UK meet its goal of delivering clean power by 2030. - Reducing costs
The NESO will create plans to optimize the placement of energy projects, which could help reduce grid connection times and energy transportation costs. - Improving energy security
The NESO will help the UK move away from expensive fossil fuel markets and toward clean, homegrown power
Net Zero
