Britain’s Boris Johnson under fire over US$138,700 in new art for Downing Street
- The purchases drew criticism as an unnecessary luxury at a time when the government is facing tough decisions on spending cuts and tax increases
- Funding for the artworks came from a pot of money that is largely made up of contributions from donors but is supplemented by taxpayer cash
The accounts of the Government's Art Collection fund show £70,200 was spent on a painting by Belfast artist Cathy Wilkes, the Daily Mirror reported.
A further £18,775 was spent on a set of works by photographer and installation artist Willie Doherty.
The works were paid for through the Government Art Collection fund, which is largely made up of contributions from donors but is supplemented by taxpayer cash.
The spending drew criticism from opposition MPs, who branded the works an unnecessary luxury when the government is facing tough decisions on spending cuts and tax increases.
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Labour MP Neil Coyle tweeted: “As his government cuts universal credit and freezes frontline nurse/police pay, Johnson has found more money to treat himself. Again. He could not be more out of touch.”
Labour MP for South Shields Emma Lewell-Buck told the Mirror: “The selfishness of this prime minister is galling.
“When shelves are bare in my local food banks, businesses have gone to the wall, public sector and key workers have suffered pay freezes and cuts, his priority is once again himself.”
A government spokeswoman defended the spending, saying: “The Government Art Collection helps to promote the creativity of British art and culture by showcasing its works in the UK and across the globe.
“It acquires new works after consulting and securing the approval of an independent expert panel, and the majority of funding for acquisitions comes from philanthropic sources – not taxpayers' money.
“The Government Art Collection is committed to public engagement and lends extensively to public exhibitions and collaborates with public facing national events and through its digital platforms.”
The two works were bought to mark the centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland, according to reports.
Former culture secretary Ed Vaizey, now a Conservative peer, also supported the purchases, saying: “Government art collection has supported British artists for 120 years – a unique cultural asset for our country.” He added: "[Boris Johnson] would have had no involvement in acquisition, which would have come from existing budget.”
