Boris Johnson responds to City Hall probe into relationship with Jennifer Arcuri after spat over deadline
Boris Johnson has responded to City Hall's questions over his relationship with Jennifer Arcuri after an initial spat over the deadline.
The London Assembly had given the Prime Minister 14 days to answer its questions over allegations the businesswoman received favourable treatment while he was London mayor.
Mr Johnson responded on Tuesday evening as he faces continued calls for clarity over allegations Ms Arcuri was given public funding and privileged access to three foreign trade missions while Mr Johnson was mayor.
The assembly had asked him to provide details and a timeline of all contact with Ms Arcuri while he was the mayor.
It also asked him to give an explanation of how that relationship was disclosed and taken into account in all dealings with the assembly and related bodies.
Despite his response, there was a spat between City Hall and those close to Mr Johnson over the deadline.
City Hall initially criticised him for missing the 6pm limit, with oversight committee chairman Len Duvall warning the PM the situation has "now become grave".
A Tory source hit back saying it was missed because "it was an invented City Hall deadline that they have never said to us", and criticised London Assembly "grandstanding" and Mr Duvall for "playing politics".
But the PM's response was received about an hour after the deadline.
Len Duvall AM, chair of the London Assembly Oversight Committee initially said: “It is very disappointing that we have not received a response from the Prime Minister.
“Missing the deadline of a polite request to fully cooperate is unhelpful and this already serious situation has now become grave.
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"The allegations of potential misuse of taxpayers’ money are no laughing matter. We will be taking this further.
“There are now a range of options available to us. Next week, the Oversight Committee will meet to discuss those options and decide on its next course of action.
“You can be assured that the London Assembly will investigate this matter with absolute commitment.”
The City Hall probe is one of four investigations into his links with Ms Arcuri.
Both deny any wrongdoing.
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