Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

PM has to go, he lacks intelligence: Boris Johnson’s new 'cost of living tsar'

David Buttress, former CEO of Just Eat, is the government’s new cost of living tsar

PM has to go, he lacks intelligence: Boris Johnson’s new 'cost of living tsar'

THE businessman appointed by Boris Johnson as Britain's 'Cost of Living Business Tsar' said six months ago that the prime minister was not blessed with intelligence and should quit.

Late on Monday (13), the government announced that David Buttress, former founder and chief executive of online food delivery company Just Eat, would take on a role to help the public with rising living costs.


However, on Tuesday (14) heavily critical tweets that Buttress had written about Johnson were reported by the media.

"Why is it that the worse people often rise to the highest office and stay there," he wrote in January after the publication of a damning report about parties held at Downing Street during coronavirus lockdowns for which the prime minister himself later received a fine.

"Boris has to go, he just has to."

In another message, he accused Johnson of "being fast and loose with the UK economy" and also said: "Never confuse an expensive education with intelligence or integrity. I don’t think Boris is particularly blessed with either."

A spokesman for Johnson, who had himself earlier tweeted news of the appointment, said the views were not relevant to Buttress's role.

"The individual you're referring to has a very clear task with regards to cost of living, as opposed to any other areas of government policy," the spokesman told reporters.

Asked if Johnson had read the tweets, he said: "I don't know if he'd be aware of every single comment but the relevant due diligence (was done)."

(Reuters)

More For You

modi-bjp-reuters

BJP supporters celebrate in New Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

Modi's BJP wins Delhi assembly election after 27 years

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that "development had won" as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in Delhi’s local elections, ending a 27-year gap since it last controlled the capital’s legislature.

"Development has won, good governance has won," Modi said after Delhi’s former chief minister, a key opposition leader, conceded defeat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less