Was "racist" Sabisky vetted by No. 10?

Tuesday 18th February 2020 16:46 EST
 

Downing Street is facing fresh scrutiny on whether it vetted a No 10 adviser who argued that intelligence is linked to race, amid fresh questions about chief aide Dominic Cummings’ drive to employ “misfits and weirdos” to work under him.

Andrew Sabisky had initially said that he would step down as a “contractor” to Downing Street because of the furore about his posts online. Now, Labour has written to Boris Johnson asking him to explain how the appointment was made, and whether the prime minister agreed with Sabisky’s views.

Sabisky stepped down following increasing criticism from Conservatives and opposition politicians after details emerged of his views on the subjects ranging from black people’s IQs to using brain-enhancing drugs on children, and whether benefits claimants should be encouraged to have fewer children.

The business minister, Kwasi Kwarteng, who was sent to speak to broadcasters on behalf of the government on Tuesday morning following the adviser’s exit, called for the process for hiring staff to be looked at. Separately, a Labour MP wrote to the head of the civil service, Mark Sedwill, requesting information on who hired Sabisky and whether he was vetted.

However, No 10 refused to respond to separate questions from the Guardian about Sabisky’s employment, whether he was vetted or had a security pass.

Downing Street has so far declined to give even basic details of Sabisky’s work, or how he was recruited. Officials also refused to comment on the status of two other so-called “super-forecasters” pictured with him outside No 10 in January.

The photo was tweeted by Michael Story, co-founder of a forecasting startup called Maby, who has now made his Twitter account private. It showed Story and Sabisky with the other founder of Maby, Thomas Liptay.

Separately, a Labour MP wrote to the head of the civil service, Mark Sedwill, requesting information on who hired Sabisky and whether he was vetted.

However, No 10 refused to respond to separate questions from the Guardian about Sabisky’s employment, whether he was vetted or had a security pass.

Downing Street has so far declined to give even basic details of Sabisky’s work, or how he was recruited. Officials also refused to comment on the status of two other so-called “super-forecasters” pictured with him outside No 10 in January.


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