Senior Conservatives defend Robert Jenrick over property development allegations

Senior Conservatives have been rallying to the defence of the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick – amid allegations over his role in approving a contentious property development by a wealthy Tory donor.

Mr Jenrick insisted he was motivated by the need to build more homes when he overruled planning inspectors to give Richard Desmond the go-ahead for the east London scheme.

But Labour are demanding “straight answers” about his involvement.