This is important: it challenges Mr Jenrick’s claim that he did not discuss the development in any way with Mr Desmond. Were it not for the huge story of Covid, this story would probably be dominating the headlines. https://twitter.com/gabriel_pogrund/status/1274447690550607874

Richard Desmond does say that after watching the video, Mr Jenrick did say that he couldn’t discuss the project.

But @Gabriel_Pogrund report does reveal, however, that three execs from Northern&Shell, the Desmond firm behind the scheme and Mace, the construction company set to build it sat at Mr Desmond’s table with Mr Jenrick at the dinner in question.

That Conservative party fundraiser took place in November. In January, Mr Jenrick overruled the planning inspector and approved the plan to redevelop Westfwrry print works. This was only time, the Sunday Times says, “he has acted against official advice and backed a scheme.”