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'I merely provide advice on funding'
Anna Davis, Evening Standard07.12.07
Lee Jasper has refused to deny allegations he helped channel public money to organisations controlled by himself.
The Mayor's race adviser spoke out after the Evening Standard revealed £ 2.5million of City Hall cash was paid to organisations with which he had strong links.
The 49-year-old was quizzed on ITV's London Tonight about whether he influenced the London Development Agency over funding of groups such as Brixton Base.
Refusing to deny he influenced the LDA, he said: "I have no formal role in decisions they make around funding. I merely provide advice." He added: "I have no formal role in deciding the funds and no authority in deciding budgets."
He went on to deny ordering the use of public funds for political purposes.
Mr Jasper denied encouraging attacks on Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality at the time, and Tory Mayoral candidate Boris Johnson. He said people complained about Mr Johnson "naturally" because he "made some very insulting remarks about black people". He added: "Trevor Phillips closed down the CRE. That was never going to be met with welcome in the black community."
He said it was his job to give advice to the Mayor, and to say when he thought there was a gap in funding to different communities.
Mr Jasper refused to confirm whether he would take legal action to clear his name officially.
The chief executive of the Greater London Authority is re-examining complaints about Mr Jasper made by London Assembly Tories. They want to know what has happened to £535,000 given to Brixton Base.
Richard Barnes, Conservative Group leader on the London Assembly, said the investigation raised "serious issues" about Mr Jasper's conduct and fitness to hold office and called for him to be suspended.
In a statement Mr Jasper said: "This is a purely politically motivated attack, and it is also an attack on black organisations."
Reader views (3)
He has to be fired, after all these allegations he can't continue to be a pillar for the black community or an adviser for Mr Livingstone. Disgraceful, that's all that can be said, he can't even provide any proof that what he IS saying is valid all he can do is deny it. Londoners deserve to know where our money has gone. It's already clear though! It looks like he is going to be needing that house after all!
- Shay, Peckham, London
The police in Lambeth are in fact in support of Brixton Base and very well aware of the excellent work that has been taking place there.
- A. Thomas, London
"The chief executive of the Greater London Authority is re-examining complaints about Mr Jasper made by London Assembly Tories. They want to know what has happened to £535,000 given to Brixton Base."
BUT why aren't the police investigating this?
- Roger, Southwark, SE1
