LGA chairman, Sir Simon Milton, has stepped down as leader of Westminster City Council after landing a job advising the new mayor of London. He is just one of several local government experts who have been given top jobs in City Hall by the new Tory mayor, Boris Johnson. Former columnist for local government weeklyThe MJ, Sir Simon has been hired as a senior adviser on planning. However, he has reiterated his commitment to the LGA, and claims he will not step down from his national post. His former deputy – and also a former MJ columnist – Kit Malthouse becomes deputy mayor for policing. Two former London borough leaders, Richard Barnes and Ian Clement, are also on the top team. As The MJ went to press, just one of the five appointees did not have a local government background. Sir Simon said he was ‘greatly honoured' to take up the post. ‘Having discussed what the mayor expected of me it become clear that my appointment would be incompatible with my continuing role as leader of Westminster City Council,' he said. Mayoral advisers announced as The MJ went to press: Richard Barnes, AM – former leader of Hillingdon LBC – deputy mayor Ian Clement – former leader of Bexley LBC – deputy mayor, government relations Kit Malthouse AM – former deputy leader Westminster City Council – deputy mayor, policing Sir Simon Milton – former leader, Westminster City Council – senior adviser, planning Ray Lewis – deputy mayor, young people
