Watchdog launches inquiry into mayoral conduct

BRITAIN'S sleaze watchdog today started an inquiry into the London mayoralty.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life launched the investigation, following controversy over the use of public funds by former mayor Ken Livingstone's administration.

The watchdog is understood to be particularly concerned about how directly elected mayors and other town hall chiefs are held to account.

Committee chairman Sir Christopher Kelly said: "We are keen to look at the new structures put in place at the start of the decade to see whether they have achieved their goals of promoting better leadership, greater accountability, raising standards and improving public trust.

"As well as looking at the mayoral system in London, we will be looking at the other 12 directly elected mayor models, the Cabinet system within some local councils, and the committee structure found in others, to see how they work within the constitutional and ethical landscape."

Current mayor Boris Johnson, his predecessor Mr Livingstone, Greater London Authority leaders and London Development Agency chiefs are likely to be invited to give evidence to the inquiry, and possibly Mr Livingstone's former race adviser Lee Jasper.

The investigation is being launched in the wake of the Standard revealing this year that financial grants from the LDA were being given to community groups linked to Mr Jasper or his associates.

The Metropolitan Police is continuing its inquiries into at least four groups, after allegations of fraud were referred to it by the LDA in connection with six organisations that received public funding.

The new probe is due to be finalised by next autumn.

Meanwhile, the watchdog published a survey of public attitudes of conduct in public life, which revealed falling trust in government ministers.