Philip Hammond wrote a 'flattering' letter to Saudi Arabia's finance minister days before setting out his intention to quit as chancellor before later taking a paid adviser role to the politician. Mr Hammond visited Saudi Arabia on a two-day trip in July 2019 and then sent a hand signed letter to Mohammed al-Jadaan, Saudi Arabia's finance minister, on July 18. In that letter, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Hammond described Mr Jadaan as 'excellency' and said he was 'delighted' to have met him. Philip Hammond took a role as an adviser to the Saudi finance minister this year. Mr Hammond followed through on his plan to quit when Mr Johnson won the leadership.

Source: Daily Mail September 13, 2020 11:32 UTC