London Mayor Boris Johnsons deputy, Ray Lewis, fights allegations of sexual misconduct

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The Mayor of London's deputy is to be investigated over allegations of inappropriate behaviour and financial irregularities, it was disclosed today.

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 tomorrow 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 today 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.

Mr Lewis added: "Working in Boris's administration has been the greatest honour of my life.

"I will not allow the office or Boris's trust in me to be tainted in any way," he said.

Asked if he thought someone had a vendetta against him, the deputy mayor said: "Clearly so."

He continued: "The allegations are without ground. They are malicious in their attempt to smear me. I became aware of this growing conspiracy quite a while ago."

Mr Lewis was appointed deputy mayor for young people following Mr Johnson's election to Mayor on May 1.

Today's development is the second major blow to Mr Johnson's administration.

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

Mr Johnson insisted that James McGrath, his political adviser, was not a racist.

But the Mayor said it would only provide "ammunition" for his critics if Mr McGrath was to remain in his post.

Speaking at today's press conference, Mr Johnson defended the man he chose to head London's fight against youth crime.

The mayor said: "I have every confidence in Ray Lewis and I think he is a tremendous deputy mayor and a great asset to London. He has worked tirelessly for young people in London."

Asked if he would sack Mr Lewis if any of the allegations were proved true, the deputy mayor butted in: "Mr Lewis will resign from the post."

But others called on the mayor to suspend his deputy until the inquiry was complete.

Labour Assembly Member John Biggs said: "Given the serious nature and sheer number of the allegations against Mr Lewis, it seems remarkable that he has not been suspended while they are investigated."