Labour tries to force government to release all documents relating to Robert Jenrick’s ‘unlawful’ £1bn property scheme approval

'He has answered the questions on this and I really do think that should be the end of the matter,' claims cabinet colleague Alok Sharma

Labour will today attempt to force the government to release all documents relating to Robert Jenrick’s “unlawful” approval of a contentious £1bn property development involving a Conservative Party donor.

It comes as the housing secretary has faced repeated accusations of “cash for favours” after it became apparent he overruled officials to give the green light to the east London project – weeks before billionaire Richard Desmond donated £12,000 to the Tories.

Mr Jenrick has insisted he acted in “good faith”, but despite his claim to have had no discussions regarding the scheme while sitting next to Mr Desmond at a party fundraiser earlier this year, at the weekend Mr Desmond claimed he had showed the cabinet minister a promotional video for several minutes.

Labour said it would use an opposition day debate in the Commons on Wednesday to stage a vote requiring the government to release all correspondence involving ministers and their special advisers concerning the Westferry Printworks development for 1,500 homes.

Given the government’s substantial majority, it is unlikely a vote on the issue will be passed by Labour, but it will given MPs a critical opportunity to raise questions regarding the controversial issue in the House of Commons chamber.

Mr Jenrick originally approved the plan in January 2020, overruling both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector. He subsequently reversed the ruling following legal action by the council, admitting that what he did was "unlawful by reason of apparent bias".

Earlier this month, the housing secretary told MPs that he did not discuss the scheme with Mr Desmond during a Conservative fundraising dinner at the Savoy Hotel, but that he had told the businessman he could not discuss it. He said that he took the decision to approve the scheme "in good faith with an open mind", and he was confident that "all the rules were followed".

Mr Jenrick’s opposite number, the shadow housing secretary Steve Reed, said: “The secretary of state has admitted he knew his unlawful, biased decision to approve Richard Desmond’s property deal would save the Conservative party donor up to £150m, but there are still far too many questions left unanswered.

“It is essential the government maintains public trust during the coronavirus crisis. Dominic Cummings and now Westferry has severely tested this – the government’s moral authority hangs by a thread. If the secretary of state has nothing to hide then has nothing to fear from publishing these documents.”

Defending the under-fire cabinet minister, however, the business secretary Alok Sharma told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think the key thing is how you act and that you act in all propriety. And that is precisely what the housing secretary has done.

“He has answered the questions on this and I really do think that should be the end of the matter”.

Pressed on the issue, the cabinet minister continued: “I think the key issue is that you follow the rules and you ensure you do that in absolutely the right way. This is what the housing secretary has done – as I’ve said, he has answered questions on this and I am not sure I can really add any more to this discussion.”

A spokesperson for Mr Jenrick said at the weekend: “Mr Jenrick and the applicants were put on the same table for the dinner, although Mr Jenrick was not aware of this prior to arriving at the venue. The planning application was raised, but Mr Jenrick said it would not be appropriate to discuss this matter or for him to pass comment on it."