The Londoner: Arcuri returns... as a columnist

Boris Johnson’s controversial friend Jennifer Arcuri has taken up a role in British journalism — as Standpoint magazine’s technology columnist. US businesswoman Arcuri was at the centre of a scandal last September when it was alleged that Johnson, when he was London mayor, improperly steered public money into her company accounts and intervened to get her spots on trade missions he was leading. She then gave a series of cryptic interviews about her intimacy with the PM, claiming that they had bonded over a love of Shakespeare but that Johnson had “cast me aside like I am some gremlin” during the furore.

​Arcuri is set to write a column on tech each issue for the monthly Right-leaning magazine, with her first offering appearing this week. “The tech world is full of people who look like Dominic Cummings,” Standpoint editor Edward Lucas told The Londoner on his hire. “I’m big on genuine intellectual diversity and she is really good at the human side of cyber security. “Standpoint readers are perfect targets for cyber security because we have a high-end readership.”

Lucas explained that he met Arcuri four years ago when they were both speaking at a conference. He then interviewed her for a Radio 4 documentary at her Shoreditch flat, the residence that Johnson supposedly visited for “technology lessons” which became famous for having a pole for dancing.“I couldn’t swear to there being a pole there, but she did tell me: ‘This place used to be a nightclub,’” Lucas said. “It was full of cyber-security equipment, which was much more interesting.”​

Arcuri’s first column is on “spear phishing”, where scammers send malicious links to targets. In it she recommends regular software updates, two-factor online authentication, and pass phrases rather than passwords.The Londoner is excited to see what Acuri does with her new gig. As her former friend Johnson would tell her, being a high-profile columnist can really open doors for you in this town.

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The war against the Brexit 50p coins continues. After Andrew Adonis declared “I am never using or accepting this coin”, Remainer footsoldiers have their own plans. “Arm yourself with a permanent marker, Andrew,” advised one Twitter ally. “Write ‘EU’ on them. I’m going to. That might get the message across.” Another, writing on the New European’s Facebook page, said: “Put them in a pot. Get them out of circulation... 16 million people voted Remain. I’m sure we can remove this coin very quickly.” Great to see people moving on.

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Out of the frying pan, into the fire. Edwina Iddles is the new communications chief for the Cambridges — her previous role was head of press at the Home Office. A former colleague tells The Londoner Iddles’ new role is “her dream job”. The Londoner agrees. From Bodyguard to The Crown.

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Extinction Rebellion has admitted its mooted designation as “extremists” by the police left its members terrified. “That was getting a bit scary wasn’t it! One day we wake up to find we’re extremists, the next not, then ish, then not,” the climate protest group said. “We reeled from the news and searched for words,” it added, until the plans were dropped.

A chilli-hot burns night

Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof made it a Burns Night to remember over the weekend as they grooved to a band that claim to be “the most famous bagpipe band on the planet”, namely, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Alongside pal Greg Milne and Geldof’s husband, musician George Barnett, they soaked up the Scottish atmosphere at The Ned in Shoreditch. Geldof said on her Instagram: “The Red Hot Chilli Pipers really threw down last night,” while Chung confessed she “doused” her dress in red wine. Also there was former cyclist Victoria Pendleton. Across town at Annabel’s, Betty Bachz and Mimi Xu were among the hosts of a Chinese New Year bash, celebrating the Year of the Rat. Actor Ruth Wilson joined rapper Tinie Tempah as Chinese dragons and rat dancers entertained guests.

SW1A

Labour leadership hopeful Emily Thornberry met local activists for breakfast in Hornsey and Wood Green last week at cafe Stella’s Room, which serves delicious fare including baba ganoush with rustic bread and Portobello mushroom and brie burger. Her team tells us Thornberry had a “good chat” with people but it doesn’t sound like she was looking to win back the infamous “white van driver” — sausage rolls were a fiver.​

David Gauke says he’ll be the guy saying “I think the music’s a bit loud. You can all go home” if he were to attend any Brexit parties on the 31st. The former justice secretary also told Christopher Hope’s podcast he would probably have a “full continental” breakfast the morning after.