Leaked documents suggest Boris Johnson used political contacts made during his premiership to pitch the services of a consultancy firm to senior Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The former prime minister approached the Saudi government last year on behalf of Better Earth, a UK-based firm co-chaired by Johnson, offering advice on reducing carbon emissions.
According to the files, known as the Boris Files, Johnson wrote a flattering letter to Prince Mohammed, describing himself as a “fervent admirer” of the prince’s vision. He also held a lunch meeting with an influential Saudi minister at a private members’ club. Better Earth was established in late 2023 by Canadian mining financier Amir Adnani, with Johnson joining as co-chair in early 2024.
Johnson’s role at Better Earth includes an annual salary of £120,000 and an initial 12.5% stake in the business, the documents suggest. The offer of employment was signed on 30 January 2024, a day after Johnson visited Riyadh for a speaking engagement. Johnson began working for the firm on 1 February.
The revelations raise questions about whether Johnson breached lobbying restrictions imposed on former ministers. His statement to the Guardian dismissed the story as “rubbish” and denied misuse of the public duty costs allowance, which is meant to support an ex-PM’s public duties. The Saudi government and Better Earth did not respond to requests for comment.
