London mayor to be investigated over 'hunch'

London: Boris Johnson is to be formally investigated over his role in the Damian Green affair, it was reported.

The mayor of London has been accused of prejudging the outcome of the police investigation of the Conservative lawmaker by revealing he had "a hunch" he would face no charges.

A sub-committee of the London Assembly's standards board is understood to have decided that the matter should be investigated by both the Metropolitan Police Authority and the Greater London Authority and referred it to the respective monitoring officers.

The original complaint came from Labour Party leader Len Duvall who claimed that Johnson, who was speaking in his capacity as head of the Metropolitan Police Authority, had "politically corrupted" the investigation.

Johnson also admitted he had spoken to Green, an old friend and former colleague, since his arrest in the Home Office leaks inquiry.

Members of the Assembly sub-panel could have also ruled no further action be taken, asked for additional information, or referred the matter directly to the Standards Board of England. If upheld, the matter could lead to Johnson's suspension or even his removal as mayor.