Mayor's deputy to face 'smear' probe

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Ray Lewis, who holds the brief of reducing youth crime in the capital, faces multiple claims relating to his time as a priest and as founder at an academy for young people.

Boris Johnson said he had "every confidence" in his deputy, while Mr Lewis described the claims as "complete rubbish". The Mayor will launch an independent inquiry into the accusations made against his deputy.

They relate to alleged inappropriate behaviour with a parishioner and at the Eastside Young Leaders Academy - a youth scheme founded by Mr Lewis in 2003, the Mayor's office confirmed.

A separate allegation of financial irregularity centres around a loan of £29,000, it is understood.

Mr Lewis dismissed all the claims as "complete rubbish" and "an attempt to smear" him.

At a press conference at City Hall, he said: "Those that know me well know that I'm not a saint. I'm also not the person painted by these allegations. I have never harassed anyone, I have never defrauded anyone."

He said that he was happy to face questions on any of the claims. Asked if he thought someone had a vendetta against him, the deputy mayor said: "Clearly so."

The development is the second major blow to Mr Johnson's administration following his election to Mayor on May 1.

Last month one of his senior advisers quit after apparently remarking that Caribbean immigrants should go home if they did not like London.