In 2020, Jenrick was accused of cronyism after he overruled the local authority, Tower Hamlets, in east London, and the Government’s planning inspectorate in favour of Richard Desmond
Desmond – who would have avoided tax of £45 million – donated £12,000 to the Conservatives a fortnight after permission was granted for his proposal. Jenrick later admitted that his decision had been “unlawful by reason of apparent bias” – but refused to resign.