Mayor chooses new youth liaison

Mayor Boris Johnson has chosen a new ambassador for young people in London after the high-profile resignation of deputy mayor Ray Lewis.

Mr Lewis quit his job in July last year over allegations of financial irregularities in his past.

Mr Johnson has named James Cleverly, the London Assembly member for Bexley and Bromley, to implement his plan to cut youth crime in the city.

He will work alongside Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse.

City Hall was planning to recruit an advisor who will work with the new ambassador "who is not necessarily going to fill exactly the same role that Ray filled", Mr Cleverly admitted.

Political embarrassment

"We're not looking to directly replicate what Ray did," said Mr Cleverly.

"I'm not Ray Lewis, I don't have that experience but what we can do is work together as a team to really drive this forward."

Mr Lewis' resignation proved embarrassing for Mr Johnson shortly after his election to the mayor's job.

Mr Lewis, who is founder of the Eastside Young Leaders Academy in Newham, east London, earned widespread praise for the academy's after-school work with black teenagers who had been in trouble.

Mr Cleverly was elected to the assembly in May 2008.

In naming Mr Cleverly, Mr Johnson said: "I am delighted that James has agreed to take on this crucial challenge.

"He, like me, is determined that every young person in London should be given hope and opportunity and that those involved in a life of gangs, crime and violence are drawn to a more meaningful and positive alternative."

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