John McDonnell says he would offer Number 11 flat to homeless family if he becomes Chancellor
1 min read
John McDonnell has said he would offer 11 Downing Street to a homeless family if he becomes Chancellor in a bid to help "solve part of the housing crisis".
The Shadow Chancellor, who lives in his Hayes and Harlington constituency less than an hour from Westminster, said he doesn’t “fancy” moving into the official residence which comes with the job.
Speaking at a Labour conference fringe event, Mr McDonnell said: "I have lived in my constituency for 45 years now and I just feel rooted in the community and that’s where I want to live."
He said he would use still use part of the building as an office, but added: "If there’s a vacant flat, we might house a homeless family.
"Let’s solve part of the housing crisis."
According to the Times, Mr McDonnell explained one of the reasons he wanted to stay in his own London home was to avoid the “long hours” culture of politics, which he blamed for creating “bad decisions”.
“I’m a London MP. So I go back every night and it’s just nice sleeping in your own bed,” he said.
Jeremy Corbyn has promised to end rough sleeping within a Labour government’s first term in office.
But Mr McDonnell’s proposal could fall foul of Downing Street’s security arrangements, as the street is one of the most heavily-guarded buildings in the UK.
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