Boris Johnson: New call for PM to provide 'full account' of Jennifer Arcuri relationship
Boris Johnson is alleged to have written a letter recommending the then 27-year-old student for a 拢100,000 a year role.
Tuesday 8 October 2019 10:27, UK
Boris Johnson is facing fresh calls to provide a "full account" of his relationship with an American model turned technology entrepreneur following new claims.
The prime minister has refused to deny outright he had an affair with Ms Arcuri, 34, amid conflict of interest allegations.
Multiple inquiries have been launched after it emerged Ms Arcuri was given more than £100,000 in public money and privileged access to overseas trade missions led by Mr Johnson during his time as London mayor.
In new allegations, the Sunday Times has now reported Mr Johnson wrote a letter recommending Ms Arcuri - then a 27-year-old student - for a £100,000 a year job as chief executive of Tech City, which was established to help technology start-ups in the capital.
The government quango reported directly to Downing Street and Ms Arcuri's 2012 job application was made weeks after Mr Johnson lobbied for London's City Hall to be allowed to take control of the body, the newspaper added.
Responding to the reports, Labour's shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said: "The allegation that Boris Johnson recommended Jennifer Arcuri for a top government job without declaring his relationship to her is incredibly serious.
"Johnson cannot continue to stonewall and refuse to give a full account of his actions.
"The integrity of the prime minister is called into question when he acts as if he believes he can get away with anything.
"The public have a right to know if their prime minister has in the past misused public funds, and abused his office and position of power. This cannot be swept under the carpet."
The prime minister has previously told Sky News "everything was done with complete propriety" when quizzed on the allegations.
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Ms Arcuri has said any grants received by her companies and any trade mission she joined were "purely in respect of my role as a legitimate businesswoman".
She has also denied she was Mr Johnson's lover.
Downing Street did not comment on the latest Sunday Times claims.