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BORIS JOHNSON today admitted signing "dodgy" expenses claims submitted by his deputy mayor.
The Mayor was accused of turning a blind eye to Ian Clement "wining and dining old mates" as he came under fire from members of the London Assembly.
Mr Clement was forced to resign last month after using a corporate credit card to take his girlfriend for meals -while claiming he was entertaining borough leaders.
He broke City Hall rules by billing the taxpayer for lunches with colleagues and was forced to pay back money spent on items bought for personal use.
Today Mr Johnson admitted signing an expense form in April which had a list of "disallowed" items attached, including two lunches with former colleagues at Bexley council. The receipt led to Mr Clement being forced to repay more than £500 of the £719 claim.
Mr Johnson said he found out Mr Clement had a corporate card last August, when the deputy mayor used it to upgrade his flight to the Beijing Olympics.
He began signing all expenses in March but claimed he was not aware of any problems until last month, even though his office said they were "aware" Mr Clement was using the card for personal shopping include car repairs and groceries in April.
Mike Tuffrey, leader of the Lib-Dems on the Assembly, said: "Can you explain why attached to the form that you signed in April there was a list of disallowed items. Can you explain the fact your secretary was working through with Ian Clement which items can be approved? Are you really telling us you were unaware?
"There were two lunches with Tory MPs and two entertainment for his mates in Bexley. Did you not say 'Ian, what is this? Why are you wining and dining your old mates from Bexley at the taxpayers' expense?'
"His office knew about the irregularities back in April. It is simply not credible to say he didn't know."
Mr Johnson said: "When I signed the corporate credit card receipts I did so in the belief these were legitimately incurred expenses.
"I don't want you to go away with the impression that somebody drew my attention to some error in Ian Clement's corporate credit card [before June]. That is simply not true.
"The point we need to focus on is that my office detected a problem and we got to grips with it."
Reader views (12)
Boris has already said he dont do detail.
Perhaps these claims should use roman numerals he might then understand them better!!
Oh Mayor of Londinium where ever did they find him.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
The man's Billy Bunter incarnate!
- Celia Blair, Wandsworth London
Boris must be incredibly naive if he believes Tory Councillors are in local politics for the voters benefit. Doesn't he realise that this lot are a bunch of crooks who are even less honest than Tory MP's.
- R Race, Ealing England
I'd be amazed if Boris lasts to the end of his term.
- Carl, London
Sarah London..
Good for Boris for owning up to this...blah...blah...blah
Not really good is it? Boris; Whether he be dishonest,or incompetent is still in his job....
- Ade, London
Oh my, Sarah from London, you are the most gullible person ever. If your husband comes home covered in lipstick and smelling of perfume I suppose you'd believe that he'd been to visit his granny? Politicians love your sort, the spin, you believe!
- David Ridgeway, greenwich
When Boris Johnson isn't running red-lights and cycling on the pavements, he does manage to do an awful lot of very silly things. I am beginnong to think we have gone an elected a total buffoon, who thankfully has announced to his people that he will be leaving us very shortly. Hopefullt before the next election
- Keith Price, Luton, England
So there we have it,Boris Johnson is not dishonest,only incompetent.
He probably thinks any figures below £250,000 are just 'chicken feed' anyway.
- Mo, Harrow UK
I wonder sometimes if there is such a thing as being just 'a little bit crooked'. It's a get out of jail for so many MP's!
- Gordonbay, London and Cape Town
Good for Boris for owning up to this. Thankfully the problem has been rectified with the deputy mayor position being removed and I expect it won't happen again.
- Sarah, London
It seems that when Boris is put under pressure by hostile questioning he gives some dodgy answers designed to get himself out of an immediate hole. In the past when he explained that he was mistaken after the event he has managed to get away with it. If it transpires that Boris knew about the dodgy claims then it is time for him to consider his position.
- R Roebuck, Acton England
It's not good enough to say sorry, this is why people wanted rid of red ken.
He won't get re elected again, Londoners deserve better than this, it's the same old crap but with a Toty in charge, instead of a left wing commie.
- P Staker, London
