Published 12:43 IST, September 30th 2019
UK PM Johnson denies any wrongdoing in ties with US executive
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused any wrongdoing on September 29 over his links with an American businesswoman who purportedly received money.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused any wrongdoing on September 29 over his links with an American businesswoman who purportedly received money and favourable treatment because of their friendship during his time as mayor of London. When he was interviewed by an international media agency about his ties with the tech entrepreneur and model Jennifer Arcuri, Johnson said it was a pure political vendetta to trap him and the decision by the Greater London Authority on Friday was politically motivated.
The matter came to limelight from a newspaper report that stated Arcuri was provided with 126,000 pounds in public money and privileged access to trade missions to the United States, Israel, and Asia that Johnson led as mayor. Her emerging business does not meet the requirements for such trips. The scandal worsened the situation as Johnson's Conservative Party was opening its annual party conference in Manchester following a busy week for a leader who has only been in the job since July.
The UK Supreme Court declared that the suspension of Parliament was illegal
In the last few days, the UK Supreme Court declared that the suspension of Parliament was illegal and an indirect betrayal to the constitution of Britain. He also cut short a trip to the US to face the House of Commons where lawmakers asked him for resignation. Things complicated further when questions were raised about the 55-year-old Johnson's links to Arcuri who has established a cyber firm in East London. An independent authority that looks after the police complaints in England, was asked to consider if there were grounds to investigate Johnson for misconduct in public office. The authority said on Friday that it had a valid reason to record the matter because Johnson served as police commissioner during his 2008-2016 tenure as London’s mayor.
Opponents accuse PM Johnson of spreading hatred
The probe into the matter is the latest sign of hostility that has consumed British politics since the country has voted in 2016 to leave the bloc. Johnson came to power two months ago promising that Britain will leave the EU on the scheduled date of October 31 even though there is no divorce deal that outlines Britain's trade relations with the other 27 EU nations. His opposition leaders in the Parliament are determined to avoid no-deal Brexit which the economists warned would plummet Britain's economy. Johnson said over a heated debate on Wednesday that postponing the country's exit to the bloc would betray the people and the democracy. The opponents accused him of spreading hatred in the country with his populist, people-versus-politicians agenda.
Updated 16:27 IST, September 30th 2019