The deputy mayor for policing in London is being investigated by the police watchdog over allegations linked to a previous job, it was revealed.

A spokeswoman for the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the body received the referral about Stephen Greenhalgh on Monday from the Greater London Authority (GLA).

She said: "This referral follows a complaint made to the GLA regarding the conduct of deputy mayor for policing Stephen Greenhalgh.

"The allegations which form the complaint relate to Mr Greenhalgh's previous role at a London local authority. The complaint is currently being considered by the IPCC."

Mr Greenhalgh's current role means he has the authority to appoint and sack senior officers in the capital.

Last month it was reported that Mayor of London Boris Johnson had warned Mr Greenhalgh over claims he touched a woman's bottom in a lift at City Hall.

Mr Greenhalgh said he had no recollection of the alleged incident, but apologised for anything that might have been misunderstood.

This was not treated as misconduct and was not referred to the IPCC.

The Press Association, photo by hammersmithandfulham