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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Rosaleen Fenton

Jennifer Arcuri's codename for PM revealed as she dubs him 'cowardly wet noodle'

Jennifer Arcuri has told how she had a 'codename' for Prime Minister Boris Johnson during their four-year affair.

The American businesswoman nicknamed the PM "Alexander the Great" after the Ancient Greek military leader and because his first name is Alex.

Last night, she revealed her affair with PM Boris between 2012 and 2016 – who was then-Mayor of London - in a world-exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror.

She said: “We were in an intimate relationship for four years. I loved him, and with good cause. But the man I thought I knew doesn’t exist any more.”

The 35-year-old says it was suggested she have a codename for the Prime Minister so his texts stayed undetected.

Join our Investigations Editor Geraldine McKelvie live on Facebook this Monday, March 29 at 2:30pm to discuss our bombshell exclusive

The PM had a codename (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

She said: “I remember a text saying, ‘Drink one day’ I squealed. One of my male roommates said, ‘What kind of girl is friends with Boris Johnson’ I remember everybody laughing. I didn’t really get it at the time.

“It was suggested I have a codename for the Mayor of London because of the random text messaging. It would come at any time, any hour.”

Previously, the 35-year-old said the pair had "immediately bonded over a mutual love of classic literature".

Questions arose two years ago after it emerged that Jennifer had travelled on three taxpayer-funded foreign trade trips led by Boris, 56.

She first met the Prime Minister as a business student in 2011 when the PM spoke at an event - and said he captured the room.

The pair exchanged numbers months later after Jennifer arranged to campaign for him in his 2012 re-election bid as London Mayor.

Jennifer said there was an "obvious spark" and she received a text message from him at a campaign event, while he stood a few metres away.

“He said, ‘Boris calling Jennifer.’ Then he said, ‘You’re looking well.’ I texted back something like, ‘You’re welcome to look," she continued.

"There was this immediate attraction on both sides, physical and intellectual.”

Boris Johnson and Jennifer exchanged numbers on the campaign trail (Getty Images)

Jennifer's revelations raise significant questions over access to public cash and if the Prime Minister breached a code of conduct.

A probe by The Greater London Authority probe will examine whether Jennifer was given “preferential treatment” and if any conflict of interest should have been declared.

Mr Johnson spoke at a series of technology events organised by Jennifer, who went on to receive £126,000 of taxpayer money in event sponsorships and grants.

Jennifer says she was invited on the trips in her own right as a member of the London tech-scene and says she doesn't understand why the PM didn't declare their friendship.

She said: “It’s embarrassing. What a child. You can’t get on the phone and say, ‘Look Jen, this is crazy, welcome to politics’

"He just took the most cowardly, wet noodle of approaches. This is who he is and it’s about time we recognised that. “A great leader is charismatic, courageous and brave. None of these words I would use to describe Boris Johnson.”

  • Read Jennifer Arcuri's full story in the Sunday Mirror, in shops today.
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