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Boris Johnson rebuked for his 'unwise' contact with Green during inquiry
Rashid Razaq and Katharine Barney25.02.09
BORIS Johnson has been reprimanded for his role in the Damian Green affair but escaped an official warning for misconduct.
An independent report commissioned by the London Assembly criticised the Mayor for "extraordinary and unwise" behaviour.
It said that in talking to his friend, the Tory MP Mr Green, after his arrest in connection with a series of leaks from the Home Office, Mr Johnson was risking his actions being "perceived as furthering private interests".
It also concluded that his actions: "Placed him at risk of being called as a witness by either the CPS or defence in any criminal prosecution of Mr Green, to the potential detriment of his office as Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority."
The report, written by solicitor Jonathan Goolden, was commissioned after Len Duvall, the leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly, complained that Mr Johnson had broken the codes of conduct of the MPA and the Greater London Authority.
Mr Duvall made an official complaint in December, accusing the Mayor of "potentially corrupting" the outcome of the police's leak investigation, and said that he faced being referred to the Standards Boards for England.
However, the report concluded that Mr Johnson's actions did not constitute an abuse of office. Instead Mr Goolden called for new protocols for the handling of information from senior police officers by the Mayor and MPA members in the event of a critical incident.
The report concludes: "Whilst Mr Johnson did not fail to comply with the codes of conduct he should have sought advice from police officers before issuing a press statement relating to an ongoing police investigation. Nonetheless, I have expressed the view that he could inhibit free and frank discussion of operational matters if he chose to publicise his reaction to briefings in future. His actions in speaking to a person arrested in a criminal investigation were extraordinary and unwise."
Mr Johnson admitted he had spoken to the shadow immigration minister after his arrest and said he had "a hunch" the MP would not be charged.
The Mayor welcomed the report today, but voiced "disappointment" over the £11,000 bill for Mr Goolden's investigation. Mr Johnson said: "He concludes that I did not fail to comply with the code of conduct of the MPA and GLA and that I did not disclose confidential information, improperly confer an advantage or disadvantage or bring my office or authority into disrepute.
"I will now reflect on suggestions for the future on how to deal with extraordinary situations when they arise.
"I have co-operated fully with Mr Goolden's investigation and am pleased that it has moved so swiftly to deal with the issues that were raised."
But Mr Duvall said: "Anyone who reads this report will see that this it is a very serious and unprecedented warning to Mr Johnson.
"He has had a lucky escape on technicalities and been given the benefit of the doubt this time but in my view his actions were reckless, improper and made for political advantage.
"I remain of the view that Mr Johnson tried to help out his friend by ringing him to discuss his case, then saying three times in public that he did not think the police investigation would produce a charge."
Reader views (8)
I don't think Boris meant any harm. The end result of the saga is the same -it adds to his growing reputation as a politician lacking judgment and thus as someone unsuited for high office and it makes London a laughing stock.
- Ed Wood, Bondi, Australia
I am appalled at the criticism of Boris Johnson. Similarly so for David Martin and the sergeant at arms. The behavior of the police in this incident was unprecedented in our time, and no-one can have been expected to respond in any better way. I would criticise Boris for only one thing, and that was for the appointment of Stephenson as head of the Met. It rewards disgraceful behavior by a man who represents a police force that sees itself as masters of the community rather than its servant. There is nothing now in our legal system for honest law abiding people. The police force are politicised and the so called civil libertarians are only interested in protecting the rights of those outside the establishment who would violate our liberties. Between these two extremes is our parliament, and this was violated by the Met. Stephenson’s excuse for doing this would ennoble Uriah Heap. Please direct criticism where it should be directed, and that is at the Met who are an unelected and unrepresentative dysfunction organisation. And I am sorry to say that until this whole business is properly resolved I will wipe my feet before walking out of any police station onto the litter strewn and filthy pavements of this once decent country.
- Dr C R Westwood, Crawley UK
What a load of nonsense from the NuLab usual suspects. Boris rules; Broon and NuLab clutching at straws.
- Andrew E, Leaving the sinking ship England
A good day for the Tories to get out some bad news for Boris. Nobody is watching the blonde buffoon on such a sad day for the Cameron family. How cynical they are.
- Mad Max, London UK
Before an election the Tories promise everything but we get nothing. Was the Poll tax mentioned in their manifesto before they won the election and then introduced it to howls of anger from the British people. The blow was softened a bit later by the introduction of the Council Tax but is still a halter round the publics necks and we also had a rise in VAT before they left office last time.
- Awesome Geronimo, Leeds UK
An official warning would have been much more seemly after the details of what Boris did became clear.
- Keith Price, Luton, England
Mr Duvall is determined to make life difficult for the mayor whilst his tenure on the GLA is tenuous. Mr Green is most unlikely to be charged as the heavy-handed plod are desperately trying to save face. Gordon Brown was the pastmaster at exploiting leaks so if anyone should be arrested it should be he.
- Ralph, London, England
sounds like Mr Duvall's in denial:
But Mr Duvall said: "Anyone who reads this report will see that this it is a very serious and unprecedented warning to Mr Johnson.
"He has had a lucky escape on technicalities and been given the benefit of the doubt this time but in my view his actions were reckless, improper and made for political advantage.
"I remain of the view that Mr Johnson tried to help out his friend by ringing him to discuss his case, then saying three times in public that he did not think the police investigation would produce a charge."
except that the report shows that he did not breach the code of conduct, so i wonder who is doing what for political gain? Mr Duvall does not seem happy that the report does not see things his way? how curious.
- Scott, london
