Javid says his relationship with PM is 'fantastic' amid reports of row over sacking of aide

  • Video report by ITV News Correspondent David Wood

Chancellor Sajid Javid has insisted he has a "fantastic" relationship with Prime Minister Boris Johnson following controversy after Downing Street sacked one of his key aides.

Asked about the abrupt firing of adviser Sonia Khan by Mr Johnson's senior aide Dominic Cummings on Thursday, Mr Javid told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I am not going to discuss any personnel issues, it would be inappropriate.

"I think my views are well understood.

"The relationship is fantastic with the Prime Minister."

It has been reported that the chancellor was "absolutely furious" over the sacking by Dominic Cummings.

Ms Khan was dismissed from her post by the PM’s top aide Cummings in Number 10 on Thursday evening.

Dominic Cummings is Mr Johnson's top adviser in Downing Street. Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA

Asked about Mr Cummings, the Chancellor said: "The Prime Minister is my boss and we work together, along with other Cabinet colleagues, to deliver, so I am not here to talk about particular individuals that are advisers in Downing Street."

It is understood that the Chancellor raised the issue with the PM on Friday.

Ms Khan was escorted from Number 10 by a police officer after her firing.

The incident comes just days before Mr Javid delivers his first major announcement as Chancellor when he unveils the details of the autumn spending review to MPs next week.

Mr Javid told the PM that Mr Cummings had undermined his authority, and the Chancellor demanded the return of Ms Khan, according to The Times.

But in the radio interview, Mr Javid rejected claims Downing Street is not allowing him enough authority over the Treasury, saying: "That's a picture being painted by the Government's opponents.

"Every Government's had opponents. They will always paint pictures that they want to exist, but they are not really there."

Javid says his relationship with the PM is fantastic. Credit: PA

Government sources said that Ms Khan had not been held responsible for the leak of “Operation Yellowhammer”, containing Whitehall predictions of the potential disruptive impact of a no-deal Brexit.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “On Thursday, 29 August, a police officer stationed at the door of No 10 Downing Street escorted a woman from the front door to exit gates as she did not have a security pass at the time. This is standard practice if a visitor does not have a pass.

“The woman was not arrested.”

Downing Street declined to comment on the matter.