Boris Johnson referred to police watchdog for possible 'misconduct in public office' investigation over relationship with Jennifer Arcuri

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The threat to Boris Johnson from alleged favours granted to his friend Jennifer Arcuri while he was London mayor has deepened, with a referral to a police watchdog for a possible “misconduct” inquiry. The Greater London Authority has asked the Independent Office for Police Conduct to assess whether the prime minister should be formally investigated over his relationship with the US tech entrepreneur and former model. A statement by the authority read: “The monitoring officer of the Greater London Authority has today recorded a ‘conduct matter’ against Boris Johnson and referred him to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so it can assess whether or not it is necessary to investigate the former mayor of London for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office. “The ‘conduct matter’ has been recorded as allegations have been brought to the attention of the monitoring officer that Boris Johnson maintained a friendship with Jennifer Arcuri and as a result of that friendship allowed Ms Arcuri to participate in trade missions and receive sponsorship monies in circumstances when she and her companies could not have expected otherwise to receive those benefits.” Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The monitoring officer has a legal duty to record any conduct matters relating to the mayor in his capacity as equivalent to Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater London, the statement went on.