Mayoral adviser in expenses row

One of London Mayor Boris Johnson's advisers has been reprimanded for running up personal expenses on City Hall's corporate credit card.

Ian Clement, deputy mayor for external relations, ran up about £1,500 on the card buying groceries and meals out.

Mr Clement has since repaid the money, but was forced to hand back the credit card following an internal inquiry, the mayor's office said.

The Labour group has asked for an audit into credit card use by mayoral staff.

Mr Clement repaid the amount after the Greater London Authority pointed out the expenses when they received the card statement.

I take very seriously indeed any behaviour that could potentially raise questions about that firm commitment

Mayor Boris Johnson

"I take very seriously indeed any behaviour that could potentially raise questions about that firm commitment," Mr Johnson said.

"Although Ian repaid the GLA as soon as the credit card statement was received, he should not have used it in this capacity and so appropriate action has been taken."

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said the card was used on a "limited" number of occasions.

"On every occasion the expenditure had been repaid at the earliest opportunity and it was firmly established that there was no personal gain on any occasion," he said.

"Nevertheless, personal use of a corporate credit card is a breach of GLA regulations."

Labour London Assembly member John Biggs has called for a review of the way cards are used.

"The Assembly's audit committee should [also] investigate their use by mayoral staff," he said.

Advisor resignations

"The Mayor should treat his senior staff in the same way as any other City Hall employee found abusing resources.

"In the interests of transparency, the Mayor should release copies of the receipts for expenditure, the repayments made, and any other correspondence in the matter."

Several of Mr Johnson's senior advisors have been in the news since he took office last May.

Last June, James McGrath stepped down as director of political strategy. In July Ray Lewis resigned as deputy mayor for youth amid claims of financial irregularities.

And in August First Deputy Mayor Tim Parker stepped down when he was not handed the role of running Transport for London (TfL).