Boris Johnson faces inquiry over police comments

Published on Wednesday 7 January 2009 20:57

BORIS Johnson, the Mayor of London, last night faced a formal investigation into his role in a Whitehall leaks inquiry.

The Conservative politician is accused of prejudging the outcome of a police investigation into his friend and colleague, MP Damian Green.

Mr Johnson told a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) last month that he believed Mr Green would be vindicated, and admitted discussing the case with him.

A sub-committee of the London Assembly's standards board is believed to have decided the matter should be investigated. The committee referred it to officers at both the MPA and the Greater London Authority.

The original complaint came from London's Labour group leader, Len Duvall, who claimed Mr Johnson was in "serious breach of codes of conduct". Mr Duvall said the mayor should not have revealed information given to him privately by senior police officers.

He also said Mr Johnson should not have discussed the case with Mr Green, as he was a suspect in a criminal inquiry.

If the complaint is upheld, Mr Johnson could face a six-month suspension or even be sacked.

Mr Green was arrested in a probe into the leaking of sensitive Home Office information.