PM reported to cop watchdog

BY NICK SOMMERLAD reporters@dailiyrecord.co.uk BORIS Johnson has been referred to a police watchdog over his friendship with former model Jennifer Arcuri.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will assess whether he should be investigated for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office while mayor of London.

The Greater London Authority said in a statement that the authority’s monitoring officer had recorded a “conduct matter” against the Prime Minister over allegations that businesswoman Arcuri received favourable treatment because of her friendship with him.

“A ‘conduct matter’ exists where there is information that indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed,” the statement said.

“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 issue has been referred to the IOPC, which deals with complaints against police forces in England and Wales, because Johnson at the time held the post equivalent to a police and crime commissioner.

Arcuri’s firm received £11,500 sponsorship from the mayor’s promotional agency during Johnson’s time as mayor.

Arcuri, 34, was invited to three overseas trips with Johnson in the space of a year, he spoke several times at her Innotech summits and is said to have been a regular visitor to her east London penthouse.

She was also invited to a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by the Duke of York.

A source said: “Jennifer told her friends about her visit to Buckingham Palace for the D5 event with the Duke of York.

“She said afterwards that she was expecting to receive more investment into her business as a result.”

Johnson, 55, who denies any wrongdoing, has previously said that he will co-operate with any investigation into his links with Arcuri.

Downing Street have described the move as a “politically motivated attack”.