Council leader takes deputy mayor role

5:15pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

Comments (11)   Have your say »

BEXLEY'S council leader Ian Clement has resigned to become deputy to the new Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

He informed Bexley's chief executive Will Tuckley of his resignation yesterday (May 5) and it took immediate effect.

Mr Clement's new job as deputy mayor at City Hall will see him responsible for government relations, both in the UK and internationally.

As the holder of such a senior post, Mr Clement, who played an active role in the new mayor's election campaign, is not permitted to serve as a local councillor.

His job as leader of Bexley Council will be filled by deputy leader Councillor Teresa O'Neill until the annual council meeting next week.

Mr Clement, who represents Christchurch ward, was originally elected to Bexley Council in 1998 and became leader of the council after the borough elections in 2006.

He said: "I am very pleased the mayor has invited me to join his team and I am now looking forward to my new role."

He added: "I am sad to be leaving Bexley and the friends and colleagues I have worked with for the past 10 years, but I will continue to live in the borough."