Boris Johnson refuses to address conflict of interest claims
Boris Johnson has refused six times to address claims he failed to declare a potential conflict of interest in how money was given to a US businesswoman while he was London mayor.
The Sunday Times said Jennifer Arcuri joined trade missions he led and was given £126,000 in public money.
She told the paper it was part of her role as a legitimate businesswoman.
However, pressed by journalists on a trip to New York, the now-prime minister refused to comment.
Labour has said Mr Johnson must give a full account of his actions.
Johnson ‘must address conflict of interest claims’
The newspaper claimed Ms Arcuri moved back to the US in June 2018, but her latest company won a £100,000 grant intended for “English-based” businesses earlier this year.
The Sunday Times said it had found the registered address on the grant application form was a rented house in the UK and no longer connected to her.
The government has confirmed to the BBC it is investigating, but said the funds were awarded to a UK-registered company.
The Sunday Times also claimed one of Ms Arcuri’s businesses received £10,000 and £1,500 in sponsorship money from a mayoral organisation when Mr Johnson was in office, and a £15,000 government grant for foreign entrepreneurs to build businesses in Britain.