Mayor's team 'too busy' on election to vet deputy

The Evening Standard has learned that, according to an inquest into the fiasco being held by senior Conservatives, Nicholas Boles, the Mayor's former chief of staff, is said to have told colleagues that Team Boris came under pressure from their chief elections strategist, Australian consultant Lynton Crosby, not to give too much time before 1 May to planning how City Hall would be governed.

Mr Crosby is said to have been worried-that Mr Johnson would look complacent if he was seen to be dishing out jobs to supporters before election day.

He also wanted the would-be mayor to concentrate on the election campaign against Ken Livingstone, which most observers thought was too close to call.

The inquiry is being held to learn lessons that will help David Cameron ensure a smooth transition into power if he wins the next election.

Mr Boles is reporting to the Implementation Unit, headed by former chairman Francis Maude, and their conclusions are expected soon to be presented to a full shadow cabinet meeting.

Mr Lewis was a charismatic figure whose work with young black youths had been widely praised. His downfall followed allegations of past financial and personal misconduct and his bizarre misleading claim to be a magistrate. Yesterday, the Standard revealed a woman had come forward to allege that Mr Lewis, while a Church of England clergyman, tried to get a woman parishioner to have sex with him in a hotel room.

Apart from the lack of adequate vetting, other mistakes in the affair are thought to be poor media handling of the allegations, including a decision to put Mr Lewis on live television where he talked himself into deeper trouble.

Mr Boles has admitted mistakes, saying the appointment was made "in a bit of a rush". He added: "I am willing to take responsibility for encouraging Boris to make this appointment. I don't defend the appointment. I am happy to take my share of the flak."

Team Boris's takeover of City Hall is seen as a test bed for Mr Cameron's first 100 days in government, with vital lessons to be learned about directing officials, meeting pledges and making important appointments.