Boris Johnson battles controversies over professional conduct

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, already under pressure as the October 31 Brexit deadline looms, has denied allegations by a UK journalist of inappropriate touching 10 years ago.

The controversy around his conduct came days after he similarly denied any impropriety in alleged special treatment for a former American model-turned-businesswoman during his time as London Mayor.

The latest storm emerged over the weekend in a column in 'The Sunday Times' when journalist Charlotte Edwardes recalled a lunch event in 1999 during which Johnson, then editor of the 'Spectator' magazine, touched her thigh.

She wrote: "More wine is poured; more wine is drunk. Under the table I feel Johnson's hand on my thigh. He gives it a squeeze. His hand is high up my leg and he has enough inner flesh beneath his fingers to make me sit suddenly upright."
Asked on Monday if the incident had taken place, Johnson categorically replied: "No."