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Boris Johnson has been reported to the police watchdog over his friendship with Jennifer Arcuri.

A "conduct matter" has been recorded against the Prime Minister today.

And the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will now assess whether or not it is necessary to investigate the former Mayor of London for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office.

It is alleged Boris, 55, maintained a friendship with Jennifer Arcuri and as a result of that friendship allowed Ms Arcuri to participate in trade missions and receive sponsorship monies in circumstances when she and her companies could not have expected otherwise to receive those benefits.

And a "conduct matter" exists where there is information which indicates a criminal offence may have been committed.

(Image: Getty Images)

It does not mean it is is proved in any way. The IOPC will now consider if it is necessary for the matter to be investigated.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) said in a statement that the authority's monitoring officer had recorded a "conduct matter" against the Prime Minister over allegations the businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri received favourable treatment because of her friendship with him.

"A 'conduct matter' exists where there is information that indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed," the statement said.

(Image: Paul Clarke)

"It does not mean that this is proved in any way. The IOPC will now consider if it is necessary for the matter to be investigated."

The issue has been referred to the IOPC, which deals with complaints against police forces in England and Wales, because M Johnson at the time held the post equivalent to a police and crime commissioner.

Mr Johnson, who denies any wrongdoing, has previously said that he will co-operate with any investigation into his links with Ms Arcuri by the London Assembly.

"This is a politically motivated attack. Due process has not been followed and the timing is overtly political. No evidence of any allegations has been provided by the monitoring officer nor was

"The PM given any opportunity to respond to the monitoring officer prior to the publishing of a press release late on a Friday night. The public and media will rightly see through such a nakedly political put-up job," a Downing Street statement read.