Lee Jasper's role in funding has been called into question

Lee Jasper stepped down from his role as chairman of the Trident Independent Advisory Group.

Mr Jasper is fighting accusations which have linked him to the misuse of public funds.

He said remaining in the post would invite "further critical comment" from the media.

Internal report

In a letter to members of the group, Mr Jasper said a "politically-motivated racist smear campaign" in the media had forced his hand.

Last week, mayor Ken Livingstone suspended the race adviser after a series of allegations of financial irregularities.

Mr Livingstone said he had taken the step after Lee Jasper himself asked for the newspaper allegations to be referred to the police.

An internal inquiry had cleared Mr Jasper of any wrongdoing.

The allegations concern money paid by the London Development Agency (LDA) - the mayor's business arm - to a number of black organisations.

One of them was Brixton Base which is run by Errol Walters, a friend and close associate of Mr Jasper.