The cost of Boris just got higher - Tuffrey

5.08.00pm GMT Thu 17th Dec 2009

Speaking at Mayor's question time this week, Mike Tuffrey, the leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, revealed that Boris Johnson's mayoralty is costing Londoners far more than his predecessor. He was questioning the Mayor on the draft GLA budget for 2010/11, published on 10th December 2009.

Contrasting Boris Johnson's pledge before the election to 'reduce the cost of Ken', Mike said:

"Boris Johnson was elected on a pledge to cut waste and expenditure on self promotion and to reduce the bills facing Londoners. Yet next year Boris Johnson's mayoralty will be costing Londoners a third of a billion pounds more than under the last year of Ken Livingstone's administration. (note1)

"From January the second serious hike in fares is being implemented by Boris Johnson. For some bus users there will be a staggering 20% rise in fares from the New Year. Tube and tram fares are also rising well above the rate of inflation.

"Boris Johnson has not even delivered on his promise to cut expenditure at City Hall, which rises to £134.7m next year compared to £125.6m under his predecessor. (note2) Furthermore, nearly one in five people in City Hall excluding Assembly staff now work on presenting a positive image of the Mayor. (note3) The promise to cut press officers has proved equally hollow: in 2008 there were 15 in the then mayor's media relations team; today 14.8." (note4)

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Rising cost to Londoners

Council tax precept income:

2010 / 11 £922 million

2007 / 08 £882 million

Transport for London fare income:

2010 / 11 £3,013 million (revised Business Plan)

2007 / 08 £2,699 million

Total increase: £354m

2. City Hall spending

Figures from Mayor's draft consultation budget 2010/11 and final Budget 2007/08, including London Assembly

3. External relations staffing

Total City Hall staffing after Organisation for Delivery: 645 posts

Assembly Secretariat: 95

External Affairs directorate: 96 plus assistant director and temporary staffing

(Source: Bmac July 2009)

4. Media relations

2008 staffing in then mayor's media relations team: 15

Source: Mayor's question 1872/2009

October 2009 press staffing: 14.8 fte

Source: Mayor's question 2936/2009