London Mayor Ken Livingstone has been called to explain reports that he was involved in a violent scuffle at a party.

The London Assembly has requested a special meeting with him next week.

Its members want to question Mr Livingstone about a private statement he made to the 25-member cross-party group on Wednesday.

The Mayor has denied a report in the London Evening Standard that an assault took place, and that he manhandled his pregnant girlfriend.

This issue is no longer about the Mayor's private life, instead it is about the trust and credibility of the Mayor

Eric Ollerenshaw Conservative

He accused the paper of engaging in "scurrilous or inaccurate" reporting of his private life.

The Assembly could censure Mr Livingstone if they believe he has not told them the truth.

Mr Livingstone could also be reported to the Standards Board for England, the local authority supervisory organisation, which could suspend him if it finds that he has brought his office into disrepute.

Eric Ollerenshaw, leader of the Greater London Authority Conservative group, said: "We have made a concerted effort not to get involved in the Mayor's private life to date and this policy will continue.

"This issue is no longer about the Mayor's private life, instead it is about the trust and credibility of the Mayor.

He said he regarded Mr Livingstone's initial statement as "inaccurate" and said he should be given the opportunity to give a fuller explanation.

Scotland Yard say they have been reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident but say there is no formal investigation because no complaint has been made.