Boris Johnson’s relationship with Jennifer Arcuri could still be investigated for ‘possible criminality’ before election, watchdog suggests

IOPC did not rule out publication before the poll but The Independent understands it remains unlikely

Related video: Jennifer Arcuri discusses her relationship with Boris Johnson (Rex)

The police watchdog has said an announcement on whether to investigate Boris Johnson’s involvement with the American tech entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri could still be published before the election.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) strongly denied reports that it had delayed its announcement over whether the prime minister could face an investigation into “possible criminality” until after the Christmas poll.

As mayor of London, Mr Johnson was responsible for policing, prompting the IOPC to become involved in investigating whether there was a conflict of interest over Ms Arcuri’s treatment due to the pair’s friendship.

Ms Arcuri, a former model, received a £100,000 grant for her company Hacker House last year, and also accompanied Mr Johnson on several trade missions while he was in City Hall.

Opposition politicians reacted with fury to a report in The Observer which cited sources in the IOPC, who said it had been about to announce whether it was proceeding with a criminal investigation but decided to delay until after the election.

However the IOPC told The Independent that it was still possible that the decision could be made before the 12 December poll – but suggested it was unlikely to report in time.

In a statement, the watchdog said: “The IOPC strongly refutes claims published in The Observer. This matter has not been finalised.

“We have not delayed any announcements on the status of this referral.

“Our assessment of this matter is ongoing as we continue to collect information and seek legal advice.”

The news will come as a blow to the prime minister as he seeks to get on the front foot after a challenging start to the election campaign marred by the resignation of a cabinet minister.

But the row over his friendship with Ms Arcuri is unlikely to fade. The London Assembly also launched a probe into the row but it has now paused its efforts at the request of the IOPC.

A third inquiry, commissioned by London mayor Sadiq Khan, has also been scaled back temporarily at the watchdog’s request.

Labour’s Jon Trickett, the shadow minister for the cabinet office, condemned any delay to the publication of the findings.

He said: “This is an unacceptable decision and should be reversed immediately.”

Caroline Pidgeon, a Lib Dem member of the London assembly’s oversight committee, said: “It raises questions over how independent the IOPC really is and whether the prime minister’s lawyers have been exerting undue pressure.”

The prime minister has denied any impropriety.