Mayor's advisor condemned for failure to appear before London Assembly

2.29.36pm GMT Wed 10th Mar 2004

The disrespect shown towards the capital's regional government by a senior mayoral advisor was today criticised by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats.

Lee Jasper was due to appear before the London Assembly's culture, sport and tourism committee to discuss plans for the Notting Hill Carnival but failed to attend.

"Lee Jasper's failure to appear before the committee shows contempt for Londoners and their elected representatives," said Mike Tuffrey, Lib Dem Assembly member.

Mike Tuffrey had intended to question the Mayor's carnival advisor on why a GLA report on the event's future had yet to be published despite an original publication date of 2001. He also wanted to ask about stewarding arrangements and how three quarters of a million pounds of taxpayers money is being spent.

"It is important that the committee is able to scrutinise the arrangements for the Notting Hill Carnival to ensure a successful and safe event," he added.

"However we cannot do this properly if officers fail to turn up. Mr Jasper is a GLA officer whose salary is paid for by taxpayers, and it is our job to hold him to account on behalf of Londoners.

"This is not the first time a mayoral advisor has failed to attend an Assembly committee meeting. Tourism advisor Emma St Giles also reneged on promises to appear before this committee. Only when she faced possible legal action did she finally attend. On another occasion, the Mayor refused to supply vital information about the New Year's Eve celebrations until legally compelled. Such situations cannot become regular events."