Cleaning up London's City Hall

Jerry Thomas The Politics Show, London BBC London

It has been a tsunami of press revelations that has rocked Westminster to its very foundations as daily stories regarding MPs' expenses appeared.

Video: Cleaning up City Hall

The grisly mix of confessions and revelations gave birth to the phrase 'flipping', put duck islands on the 'must have' present list for the rich and infamous, and breathed new life into the dying art of moat cleaning.

Now it would appear that the virus that has swept through Westminster has travelled down the river to City Hall.

Cleaning up City Hall

The incoming Mayor, Boris Johnson, made much in his election campaign of cleaning up City Hall, promising a transparent alternative to Ken Livingstone's regime.

But current events threaten to unravel that promise.

Boris Johnson promised transparency in politics

Boris Johnson's first year as Mayor has been blighted by a spate of high profile departures.

Ray Lewis, Deputy Mayor for Young People quit amid claims of financial irregularities and inappropriate behaviour.

Chief of Staff and first Deputy Mayor Tim Parker resigned after not being handed the role of running Transport for London.

And senior aide James McGrath left after becoming embroiled in a row over what some interpreted to be racist remarks.

Trouble brewing

Now comes more trouble at City Hall with the resignation of deputy mayor Ian Clement following the inappropriate use a City Hall credit card.

The card intended to be used for City Hall business use only, was used by Mr Clement for personal purchases.

Mr Clement repaid all sums spent, but he broke the rules and had to go.

Ian Clement resigned following inappropriate use of a credit card

The matter has now been referred to the police by officials at City Hall.

The London Assembly's business administration and management committee (BMAC) has called on the mayor to answer questions following the revelation that he had personally signed off some of Ian Clement's expense claims.

Members' expenses

The Conservative Assembly member Roger Evans has called for itemised receipts to be published online and to be presented in front of BMAC plus random checks into assembly members' expenses.

And the Mayor's taxi expenses have now fallen under the spotlight.

Figures released this week reveal that Boris Johnson has run up over almost £4,500 in taxi fares since becoming Mayor of London.

Amongst these claims there are 13 receipts for fares over £100 and one bill for £237.50.

A spokesperson for the Mayor said, "The Mayor's preferred mode of transport is his bike which accounts for the vast majority of his personal and official journeys.

Champion of bike travel - Boris Johnson

"For greater distances he tries to use public transport. On occasions however over the past 14 months taking taxis has been unavoidable.

"That is very much the exception and the figures show he takes fewer than three taxis a week on average.

"Most of the taxis in this bill were booked in the first few months of his administration when he attended a huge number of events, often going to two and three in a row on a tight schedule.

"His use of taxis has declined steadily from the start of this year. The latest figures show only 11 taxis were booked between January and March."

Sticking to the rules

City Hall's rules state that taxis should only be used when absolutely necessary.

But with the backlash against politicians expenses continuing unabated, is there a danger that a disproportionate amount of time and attention will continue to be focussed on the grazing and watering habits of our elected representatives?

And will adequate attention be focused on looking at the work they are meant to be doing representing our interests?

Woe betide any politician who fails to declare that extra topping on their pizza!

---

Watch the Politics Show on BBC One at 12:00 on Sunday.

Use the reply form below to let Politics Show London know what you think...

---