Earlier this week, the government briefed that Environment Secretary Steve Reed is “actively preparing” to put Thames Water into special administration, appointing FTI Consulting to advise on contingency plans – nationalising the utility while hunting for a buyer. The Times reports that the frontrunner is Chinese giant CKI. Already owner of nine key UK utilities…
Eyebrows are rising over government contact with CKI before FTI’s appointment. Guido hears Sir Iain Duncan Smith has filed FOIs to DEFRA and the Cabinet Office for all CKI meetings, calls, emails, and minutes between 14 July–13 August. Two requests for clarification have already come back. A classic stalling manoeuvre…
Three days ago, CKI surprisingly pulled its bid for the Isle of Grain LNG terminal, just before Reed signed off on FTI. IDS tells Guido:
“This sudden briefing on the future status of Thames Water and the direct involvement of CKI seems particularly well-coordinated, to the extent it begs the question: when did CKI know about the government’s intention to put Thames Water into Special Administration, and why during the summer recess?”
Sounds like there could be more to unravel here…
Kemi Badenoch at the 1922-ConHome bash last night:
“I did praise [Burnham] for his stamina, it was amazing. All I had to do was sit back and lie there. I didn’t have to do anything at all…”