Being Unable To Investigate Downing Street Flat Refurbishment Was 'bonkers,' Mps Sleaze Watchdog Says

Downing Street and ParliamentRichard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images The MPs sleaze watchdog said it's "bonkers" she couldn't probe the Downing Street flat refurbishment. Boris Johnson avoided an investigation as the refurbishment was linked to his role as Prime Minister. MPs who are ministers do not have to declare gifts received in a ministerial capacity to the Commons. Kathryn Stone, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, has said it is "bonkers" she was unable to investigate the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat due to a loophole for MPs who are ministers — a loophole that Parliamentarians are considering closing.Boris Johnson avoided an investigation by Stone's office over undeclared donations regarding the financing of the refurbishment of his flat as it related to his role as a minister, not as an MP.Under the current rules, gifts and benefits received in a ministerial capacity are declared through governmental transparency releases including the list of ministers' interests and are not required to be published in the House of Commons's register of members' financial interests.The list of ministers' interests is only published twice a year, whereas the Commons's register is updated every two weeks.