The London Assembly has delayed its investigation into Mr Johnson' relationship with the US businesswoman while Mayor of London, to allow a separate investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct to be carried out. Ms Arcuri is at the centre of allegations that Mr Johnson showed favouritism to help her get hold of £126,000 in public funding and privileged access to three foreign trade missions while he was mayor of London. After the allegations of impropriety surfaced last month it was announced the IOPC would be investigating any possible misconduct in a public office - but Mr Johnson's team said the referral was a "nakedly political put-up job". In a statement, London Assembly Oversight Committee chairman Len Duvall AM said: "The London Assembly respects the IOPC's remit and will not in any way interfere with its important work. "But - and categorically more important - Boris never ever gave me favouritism”Mr Johnson has previously accused his "old friends" in the Assembly of "barking up the wrong tree" with their investigation and has denied any wrongdoing.

Source: Daily Mirror October 16, 2019 13:41 UTC