After reading a bit more, I think the cummings flat decoration story could be a smokescreen to divert attention from the david cameron greensill scandal, as that also involves several senior civil servants and MPs, the timing is too much of a coincidence.
Guardian:
On Tuesday it emerged that the government’s chief commercial officer, Bill Crothers, had joined Greensill while remaining a civil servant – in a move sanctioned by the Cabinet Office. [
in 2015 which was when cameron was PM]
The revelation prompted alarm within No 10 over the growing scandal.
It came as Downing Street started to lose control of its grip on the response to the saga. Three select committees announced probes into the scheme, which is likely to mean cabinet ministers such as the chancellor,
, and health secretary, Matt Hancock, will be asked to give public evidence.
No 10 had hoped to contain the response to the growing scandal by launching the Boardman inquiry where evidence can be given in private, though Johnson said it would have “carte blanche” to recommend changes.
But mounting pressure meant three select committees of MPs announced plans to carry out their own probe. The public administration and constitutional affairs committee formally announced on Thursday morning it would conduct a full inquiry into lobbying rules.
sky:
Did Mr Cameron approach any other cabinet ministers?
Yes. In October 2019 he went for a "private drink" with Lex Greensill - the founder of Greensill Capital - and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
They discussed a payment scheme that the firm wanted the NHS to start using.
Was the payment scheme used by the NHS?
Yes. It was used in parts of the health service. But allies of the health secretary say everything was above board and he "updated officials on the business that was discussed" in the October drinks meeting