“Yes, its a storm in a teacup but storms-in-teacups can have significant political ramifications.”

Professor Richard Whitman, Professor of Politics and International Relations joined BBC Radio Kent to discuss the row over Boris Johnson’s flat refurbishment costs.

The Electoral Commission have launched a formal enquiry into the costs of the redecoration of the Prime Minister’s flat at No 10 Downing Street.

Labour leader Keir Starmer used the issue for considerable political currency at PMQ’s on the 29th April, and revealed a less than jovial side of Boris Johnson in the Houses of Parliament. 

“The opposition have been given a gift here”Professor Richard Whitman commented, but went on to speculate whether the issue has effected Johnson’s popularity with the electorate and suggests that with the upcoming Hartlepool by-election on May 6th (a ‘red wall’ seat, that historically supported the Labour Party but where there is increasing Conservative support) that Starmer may be the one feeling the pressure.

Listen to the comments in full here.