Boris Johnson referred to police watchdog
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been referred to the police complaints body for England and Wales to assess whether he should face a criminal investigation over his links with American businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri.
The Greater London Authority said its monitoring officer had recorded a "conduct matter" against Johnson over allegations Arcuri received sponsorship money and access to trade missions because of her friendship with him while he was mayor of London.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will now consider whether there are grounds to investigate the Prime Minister for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office.
Johnson has denied any wrongdoing in relation to his friendship with Arcuri.
The revelations came as Johnson hopes to “hammer out a deal” with the EU by October 13, as the UK Government prepares to present formal Irish border proposals next week.
On Friday the EU suggested its leaders would refuse to negotiate with the UK during the October European Council summit, dashing hopes of a last-minute breakthrough.
A government source said: “After conference, you’ve got 10 days to hammer out a deal. The summit is the time to push the controversial bits and get the agreement.”
The UK Government is expected to give its legally workable proposals for a Brexit deal after the Conservative Party conference. So far negotiators have only presented Brussels with so-called “non-papers”, which outline the Government’s proposals but are not legally operable.
Responding to the news, a senior EU diplomat said: “We’ve been asking for written texts.
“The EU is ready.” Another diplomat said they expect to receive written proposals this week.
EU diplomatic sources said heads of state and government would refuse to negotiate the Brexit deal at the summit.
A senior EU diplomat said it was a “fundamental rule” of European councils that leaders did not negotiate on legal texts such as the Withdrawal Agreement but made political decisions.
The UK’s move for a resolution came as Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, warned that a no-deal Brexit would be “solely” Britain’s fault.