Overview
- Sir Laurie Magnus, the prime minister’s ethics adviser, advised there was no need for a ministerial code probe after assessing the case.
- Downing Street released emails between Nicholas Joicey and Harvey & Wheeler indicating the agency agreed to apply for the selective licence but did not do so.
- Harvey & Wheeler owner Gareth Martin apologised, citing an internal oversight after the property manager who offered to apply resigned before the tenancy began.
- Rachel Reeves apologised and accepted responsibility, and No 10 said the licence is being rectified and that she will deliver the 26 November Budget.
- Conservative figures, including Kemi Badenoch, continue to call for an ethics investigation, and Southwark’s regime allows fines or rent repayment even though the council typically issues a warning first.