Daniel Korski: Daisy Goodwin accuses mayoral hopeful of groping

Ms Goodwin told the Times that in 2013 Daniel Korski sexually assaulted her by putting his hand on her breast during a meeting at 10 Downing Street.

He has denied the allegation "in the strongest possible terms".

Ms Goodwin, creator of the ITV drama Victoria, said she had met Mr Korski - then a special adviser to David Cameron - to discuss a proposed TV show.

'View of his crotch'

Ms Goodwin told the Times she met the government special adviser - also known as spads - at a social event and he suggested they meet again.

She said Mr Korski arrived late for their meeting, remarked on her sunglasses and said she looked "like Monica Bellucci, the 50-something Italian actress who had recently made headlines by appearing in a Bond film opposite Daniel Craig as an older woman".

Ms Goodwin said this felt "awkwardly flirtatious" and "odd".

She said during the meeting Mr Korski "put his feet on the edge of my chair, leaning back so that I could get a clear view of his crotch".

"When we both stood up at the end of the meeting and went to the door, the spad stepped towards me and suddenly put his hand on my breast.

"Astonished, I said loudly, 'Are you really touching my breast?'

"The spad sprang away from me and I left."

A spokesperson for Mr Korski told the BBC: "In the strongest possible terms, Dan categorically denies any allegation of inappropriate behaviour whatsoever."

In a WhatsApp message to his supporters, Mr Korski wrote: "It is disheartening to find myself connected to this allegation after so many years, but I want to unequivocally state that I categorically deny any claim of inappropriate behaviour. I denied when it was alluded to 7 years and I do so now.

"Nothing was raised at the time, nothing was raised with me 7 years ago when this was alluded to and even now, I'm not aware that there was an official complaint."I know that simply denying such allegations may not be enough to alleviate the concerns and doubts that might arise in your minds.

"As a father I am especially committed to making sure everyone feels safe on the streets of London."To those who have been affected by any form of misconduct or harassment, let me assure you that I stand firmly against such behaviour.

"I am grateful for each and every one of you, for your continued support."

'Encourage women to come forward'

Mr Korski left a Conservative Environment Network husting early on Monday evening.

Conservative Campaign Headquarters refused to comment when approached by the BBC.

Ms Goodwin spoke in 2017 about being groped at 10 Downing Street without naming her alleged assailant, however she said she had chosen to identify him now as Mr Korski was running to be the Conservative candidate for the contest to be mayor of London.

She told the BBC on Monday: "I hope that my example will encourage women to come forward - no women should have to put up with this kind of behaviour."

Mr Korski is one of three candidates shortlisted by the Conservative Party ahead of next year's election, at which Sadiq Khan will be running for a third term as mayor.

Mr Korski has centred his campaign on improving public services through technology.

Earlier this month he told the BBC he was "a businessman who will put digitalisation at the core of how I improve London".

-bbc