Boris Johnson referred to police watchdog over Jennifer Arcuri claims

Boris Johnson has been referred to a police watchdog in connection with allegations a businesswoman received favourable treatment when he was mayor of London.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been asked to assess whether the prime minister should be investigated for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office.

In a statement, the Greater London Authority (GLA) said a “conduct matter” had been recorded against Mr Johnson over claims that Jennifer Arcuri received public money and privileged access to foreign trade missions while he was mayor.

The GLA added: “A ‘conduct matter’ exists where there is information that indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed.

“It does not mean that this is proved in any way. The IOPC will now consider if it is necessary for the matter to be investigated.”

The matter has been referred to the IOPC, which handles complaints against police forces in England and Wales, because Mr Johnson held a post equivalent to a police and crime commissioner.

A senior government source said it was “a politically motivated attack”.

The source said that to begin the investigation on the eve of the Conservative Party conference was “overtly political”.

They added: “No evidence of any allegations has been provided by the monitoring officer nor was the PM given any opportunity to respond to the monitoring officer prior to the publishing of a press release late on a Friday night.

“The public and media will rightly see through such a nakedly political put-up job.”

A spokesperson for the London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected claims the referral was a politically motivated attack on the PM.

They said: “This process is nothing to do with the current Mayor whatsoever. It is a decision by the independent monitoring officer for the Greater London Authority.”

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell tweeted in response: “It’s important to note that this was a decision by the GLA monitoring officer, who is a completely, independent non-political official.”

Jennifer Arcuri, a technology entrepreneur, was given a total of £126,000 in public money and privileged access to three overseas trade missions led by Mr Johnson.

The Sunday Times reported that Ms Arcuri was given preferential treatment to ensure she could come on trade delegations, with Mr Johnson’s team ensuring she would accompany him on trips even though her initial applications to take part were refused.

Mr Johnson denies any wrongdoing.

He has previously said that he will co-operate with any London Assembly investigation into his links with Ms Arcuri.

(c) Sky News 2019: Boris Johnson referred to police watchdog over Jennifer Arcuri claims