Mayor's new deputy to surrender council role

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Sir Simon Milton will stand down as a Westminster councillor and chair of the Local Government Authority after pressure from Labour Assembly members.

Mr Johnson had wanted to make Sir Simon Deputy Mayor for Planning but a breach of guidelines led to his instead being named an unpaid adviser. And, despite his giving up his position as council leader, critics still said he had to make a decision one way or the other.

Ian Clement, new Deputy Mayor for Government Relations, did step down immediately as a councillor in Bexley before taking up his post. Mr Johnson has since delegated planning decisions to Mr Clement, leaving Sir Simon's role unclear.

Mr Johnson announced Sir Simon's decision last night, although the latter will still have to be interviewed and have his background checked.

A City Hall source said: "Sir Simon has huge potential in the team but only can bring his full wealth of talent if freed from other commitments so if that gets sorted out people will be very happy."

The news comes a day after Westminster Council's cabinet was due to discuss protocol in relation to Sir Simon and his civil partner, who is the chair on the council's planning committee.

Labour's leader on the London Assembly Len Duvall said: "Boris Johnson knew Sir Simon's appointment was in breach of the law and that if he hadn't taken action to resolve this fiasco someone else was about to."

Sir Simon is likely to remain as LGA chair until September to allow for a suitable replacement to be found.