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Boris must have conduct training
Katharine Barney05.03.09
Boris Johnson today faces the embarrassing prospect of receiving training in official codes of conduct after his role in the Damian Green arrest.
An investigation has cleared the Mayor of any official breach, meaning he will not face disciplinary action.
But the Mayor was criticised over his "extraordinary" behaviour in contacting former colleague Mr Green, who was the subject of a police inquiry into alleged leaks of Home Office information.
After Mr Green's arres tin November, Mr Johnson told the London Assembly he had "a hunch" the police investigation was unlikely to result in a charge.
The investigation, by solicitor Jonathan Goolden and accepted by the Assembly, found Mr Johnson did not disclose confidential information.
It recommended the Metropolitan Police Authority, which Mr Johnson chairs, and GLA adopt a protocol to deal with "management of information" by senior police officers and the Mayor.
In a recommendation added by Lib- Dem Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon, the report said it was important "appropriate training of the code of conduct is taken up" by Mr Johnson. Leader of the Labour group on the A ssembly Len Duvall said: "Given the foolish, extraordinary and unwise way in which the Mayor acted, some training in how to behave appropriately is the best he could have hoped for."
A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: "We welcome the unanimous decision of the MPA and overwhelming view of the Assembly Standards committee that the Mayor did not fail to comply with the Code of Conduct of either organisation, that he did not disclose confidential information, improperly confer an advantage or bring his office or authority into disrepute. The Mayor will reflect on the recommendations in the report."
Reader views (11)
The way I see the Mayor is this way; he is the Boss.
He was voted in as the Boss of the GLA; and those that work there and do not like or agree with the new Boss; should leave and find another job.
They all; need to understand that they are just well civil servants, paid to serve Londoners; and nothing more than that.
The buck always stops at the top; and Boris is the top; like it or lump it.
If nothing else; Boris is beginning to show us all; that he is not the fool many thought he was.
As to his hair; I am bald; I would just love to have his hair; even without a hair brush or comb.
Carry on Boss.
- Mickyinlondon, london
Is this some silly idea cooked up by bossy lefty "do-gooders" with clipboards and vicious intentions? It certainly looks that way. Boris is doing a fantastic job in London, so they should let him get on with it. Most people think it's great that we have a Mayor who won't follow the politically correct sheep. After all, most successful leaders thoughout history have followed their own minds.
- Fiona, London
"He could start by getting that ridiculous hair cut.
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx"
Sarah, he's already got that ridiculous haircut...
- Martin H. Watson, Teddington
He has the right idea and speaks his mind! We need more people like this man to be honest.
- Serox, London
Boris is convinced he can get away with anything as the Tories are now the media's favourite Party. Cameron and his cronies will be exactly the same for six months after the next General Election.
- T Turk, Isleworth England
It always amazes me that Politicians believe that once you've got a tick in the box you can then move onto the next box. Police Social Workers, Teachers all complain that their masters are far more concerned with getting the boxes ticked than making a real difference.
- Dave, London England
Watch out boris there trying to make you conform,turn you into a lap dog of the corporate image builders.
- Kev, London-UK
Boris despeartetely needs training that cycling on pavements in London and running red lights is breaking the law
- Keith Price, Luton, England
He could start by getting that ridiculous hair cut.
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx
Why not go the whole hog and book him on Effective Governance and Leadership training. And he could do with one on Presentation and Writing Skills as well.
- Dhanraj, basildon
You train pets to do things on command. I prefer to see how people behave naturally, rather than have them undergo a miriad of training initiatives to project themselves as caring, understanding individuals, who spout platitudes, when all they really care about is how to promote themselves. It is obvious that some politicians who have had training, then try to hide information by claiming it is sensative/secret just to cover their backs. What is it we are told 'If you've nothing to hide, you've nothing to fear.
- Alan, carlisle uk
