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READ: it's worth the time to read every page of the redacted documents published today by Robert JENRICK about the #Westferry decision, following pressure @UKLabour @SteveReedMP and @MikeAmesburyMP and not hard to find out why he hadn't published sooner https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/895113/Annex_A___Supplementary_Documentation.pdf
If you're short of time, skip to the last two pages, exchanges of text messages between Richard Desmond (the developer) and JENRICK (Sec of State) on 19th Nov, the day after the Tory fundraising dinner, discussing arranging a meeting. This exchange is initiated by JENRICK
Then on page 98 there is an email sent on 19th November, from Desmond to Jenrick's Parliamentary email address (this is important) to follow up, and one from JENRICK himself on his Parliamentary email address to [REDACTED] to ask them to set up the meeting.
As every MP and every MP's assistant knows, during a General Election there are no MPs and no use of Parliamentary email account is permitted other than for urgent casework involving pre-existing caseload. Does an email asking for a meeting with a Property Developer count?
On page 97 there is an email exchange between assistants [names redacted] dated 20th Nov setting up the meeting between JENRICK and Desmond for 19th Dec. and on page 95/6 a further exchange on 16th and 17th Dec re-arranging this.
on page 21: "If we are to issue this week, in line with the SoS's request, it would need to go by 5.30 (so that it can reasonably be said that it was within office hours) LB Tower Hamlets is adopting a new Local Plan and CIL [Community Infrastructure Levy] regime next week."
JENRICK papers continued - p22: "On timing, my understanding is that the SoS is/was insistent that decision issued this week i.e. tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL regime"
JENRICK papers show - SoS initiated follow up day after sitting next to developer at Tory Fundraiser; used Parliamentary email account during Gen. Election period to ask for a meeting to be set up on site with developer, and he insisted decision had to happen before CIL changes
