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West End | News | Westminster City Council | Simon Milton | London Assembly | Boris Johnson | Len Duvall | Labour | Liberals
COUNCIL leader Sir Simon Milton’s role as Boris Johnson’s planning tsar has been challenged by the opposition at City Hall.
Len Duvall, leader of the London Assembly Labour group, has written to the new mayor demanding he come clean on Sir Simon’s appointment as senior planning adviser, which he says may breach local government rules.
The eight Labour members of the London Assembly are worried that the promotion may break the “Widdecombe Rules”, which bar certain local government employees from standing for election, canvassing for a political party, or speaking in favour of a political party.
Although Sir Simon will step down as Westminster City Council leader on June 17, he will remain a Tory councillor for Lancaster Gate and Local Government Association chair.
After his new role was announced, the city council’s opposition flagged up the potential for problems given his partner Robert Davies is Town Hall planning chief.
Mr Duvall said: “Boris Johnson has failed to clarify his planning adviser’s employment terms. What has he got to hide? He stood on a platform of transparency and openness so should clarify as soon as possible how much Cllr Milton is being paid from the public purse and why he is exempt from the rules.”
In a letter Mr Duvall wrote: “I was surprised to hear you are employing Simon Milton in a role where I understand the previous incumbent was politically restricted. We are seeking urgent clarification on his position.
“I understand that Simon Milton is a member of Westminster City Council and that your employment of him may be a breach of Widdecombe Rules. I have alerted the chief executive of Westminster City Council to this position. I imagine you will want to investigate this urgently to avoid any suggestion of impropriety. Can I suggest you share with us the legal advice you have received on this matter.”
A spokesperson for the mayor told us the Widdecombe Rules do not apply because Sir Simon’s position is informal.
They said: “Sir Simon Milton’s role is that of an unpaid adviser to the mayor. Sir Simon will provide informed advice on planning as and when required to enable the mayor to immediately get on with the job of leading London.” |
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Your comments:
Sir Simon seems very keen to protect dog owners from survailance when fouling foothpaths and litter louts. We are more concerned with abuse of elderly veterans.
SSARMCA |
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