Yahoo Finance Jennifer Arcuri Claims People 'Knew' Boris Johnson Had A 'Crush' On Her
Jennifer Arcuri has claimed people “knew” Boris Johnson had a “crush” on her during a grilling about their relationship while he was Mayor of London.
The tech entrepreneur was pressed on whether anyone in the mayor’s office was aware of her relationship with Johnson.
She said: “People knew that there was an interest of the mayor in me, that he had somewhat of a crush on me.
“When we went to events, everyone could see the dramatic difference of this man when I entered the room.
“So there was not ever a time where I feel..I had to say anything. People kind of assumed what they wanted, but there was never any discussion about any of it.”
The businesswoman, who has previously alleged she and Johnson had an “intimate relationship” while he was mayor, has been giving evidence at London’s City Hall.
Arcuri made the comments in response to a question from Caroline Pidgeon, chair of the oversight committee, who said: “You’ve made clear publicly in the press that you had a close relationship with the former mayor.
“What was the mayor’s office aware of this relationship and who in the mayor’s office?”
Arcuri initially responded saying she did not want to go into “personal details”.
She appeared via video call from Florida to answer questions about her role in trade missions at the oversight committee meeting.
Arcuri was given access to three taxpayer-funded trade missions led by Johnson. He also spoke at a series of technology events she organised and her companies also received £126,000 of taxpayer money in event sponsorships and grants.
The prime minister has faced a number of questions over his dealings with Arcuri and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Last year, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said it would not be launching a criminal inquiry into whether Johnson abused his position to “benefit and reward” Arcuri. Although they said Johnson should have declared conflicts of interest.
Asked at a Downing Street press conference if he had acted with honesty and integrity in his relationship with Arcuri, Johnson replied “yes”.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Follow HuffPost UK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated.
