Enquiry by LDA was not independent or external - Tuffrey

11.44.00am GMT Wed 16th Jan 2008

After the appearance of Manny Lewis and Andrew Travers, senior executives of the London Development Agency, in front of the London Assembly this morning, Leader of the London Assembly Liberal Democrats Mike Tuffrey said:

"It is quite clear from the evidence the LDA presented this morning that, despite the Mayor's claims, the enquiry made was neither independent, nor an external review. The Mayor and his advisors have deliberately tried to avoid answering questions by claiming the matter was in the hands of external auditors. The evidence we were given this morning shows that it was not.

"Far from answering the serious concerns raised, the LDA's enquiry has revealed the need for further investigation, including police involvement.

"I welcome the further scrutiny the London Assembly will conduct on the matter on 7 February 2008."

Notes to Editors:

1. Manny Lewis is Chief Executive of the London Development Agency and Andrew Travers is Group Director of the LDA.