Boris Johnson denies impropriety in relationship with Jennifer Arcuri
Prime Minister Boris Johnson today denied any impropriety in his dealings with a friend who received thousands of pounds in grants when he was mayor of London.
The Sunday Times said US tech entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri – a friend of Johnson – had received thousands of pounds in sponsorship grants and had received preferential treatment to join trade missions he led.
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“All I can say is I am very proud of what we did as Mayor of London… particularly banging the drum for our city and country around the world,” Johnson told the BBC today.
He added: “I can tell you that absolutely everything was done entirely in the proper way.”
On Sunday night, on a flight to New York, Johnson avoided six questions from reporters about his relationship with Arcuri.
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The Sunday Times reported that Arcuri received £126,000 in public funds and access to three trade missions led by Johnson.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the BBC it was “perfectly normal” for entrepreneurs overseas trade missions.
“British companies and entrepreneurs go on trade missions. It’s quite right and proper and I’m sure that’s exactly what’s happened there,” he said.