Changes to London Government must end rule by Mayoral cliques and quangos - Burstow

4.59.37pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Dec 2005

Londoners should have the power to petition to trigger a recall election of the Mayor and the Mayor should be accountable all year round not just at election time says the Liberal Democrats Shadow Minister for London, Paul Burstow MP.

Commenting on the Government's consultation on proposals to give the Greater London Authority additional powers and responsibilities Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for London said:

"Any changes to the GLA must safeguard and strengthen the checks and balances. It is essential that the Mayor is accountable all year round, not just at election time. The Assembly should have a greater say over the Budget.

"Proposals to weaken the Assemblies powers of appointment are worrying. The Mayor already has considerable powers of patronage and appointment. Mayoral rule by clique and quango is neither democratic nor accountable.

"There should be clear limits on the number of terms a Mayor can serve and Londoners should have the right to petition for a recall election."

ENDS.