Boris Johnson refused six times to answer questions about the nature of his relationship with a model-turned-tech entrepreneur who received thousands of pounds of public money during his term as London mayor.
The Prime Minister declined to comment on allegations of his association with businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri, now 34, inset, on his flight to New York for the UN General Assembly.
It came after the Sunday Times reported that Ms Arcuri was also invited to join three overseas trade missions led by Mr Johnson after they met in 2012.
The report quoted sources saying Mr Johnson would regularly visit her top-floor flat in Shoreditch, which boasted a pole-dancing pole in the living room.
Asked whether he would refute the claims, he said: “I’m here to talk about what we are doing in the UN.” He did not directly respond to six questions, including whether the allegations could be solved with a public inquiry.
Labour MP Jon Trickett called for the PM to explain, saying: “Mr Johnson must give a full account of his actions in response to these allegations of the misuse of public money.”
A City Hall spokeswoman said Sadiq Khan, Mr Johnson’s successor as mayor, has asked officials “to look into what processes were followed during that time to ensure any lessons are learned”.
Ms Arcuri did not comment to the Sunday Times on the nature of her relationship with the PM.
The newspaper reported that her business received £10,000 in sponsorship from London & Partners, overseen by Mr Johnson in 2013.
A further £15,000 was said to have come in 2014.
Downing Street declined to comment.
