Boris Johnson given two weeks to explain dealings with US businesswoman
Written by News on 24/09/2019
Boris Johnson has been given 14 days to provide details about his relationship with an American businesswoman, following allegations he failed to declare a potential conflict of interest while he was mayor of London.
The demands are made in a letter asking the prime minister to provide information about his “personal, social and professional” contact with Jennifer Arcuri.
It also asks Mr Johnson to explain how the relationship was “disclosed and taken into account” to the Greater London Assembly.
The letter, written by chair of the London Assembly oversight committee, Len Duvall, follows allegations in the Sunday Times about Mr Johnson and Ms Arcuri.
The article claimed Ms Arcuri joined Mr Johnson on international trips and received thousands of pounds of grants.
Jennifer Arcuri’s company was sponsored for two events with taxpayer’s money worth more than £10,000.
City Hall also confirmed she joined Boris Johnson on a trade trip to Malaysia in November 2014, a trip to New York in February 2015, and a third trip to Tel Aviv in November 2015.
The oversight committee, which scrutinises the mayor’s spending, has the legal power to summon Boris Johnson to give evidence in person if he fails to respond to the letter’s request.
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In a separate development, the mayor’s office has asked for a review to be carried out of the processes involved in selecting delegates to accompany mayors on overseas trips.
General counsel of the London Fire Brigade, Kathryn Robinson, will look at how decisions are taken and decide whether changes need to be made in the future.
It is not known how long the review will take.
Mr Johnson has repeatedly denied any impropriety. He told Sky News: “Everything was done with complete propriety and in the normal way.”
Boris Johnson must respond to the letter before 7 October.
Sky News has contacted Downing Street for a response.
(c) Sky News 2019: Boris Johnson given two weeks to explain dealings with US businesswoman
