Mayor answers to London

Olympic Memorandum of Understanding

[Main question]

Question by John Biggs

At the last MQT I asked (1415 / 2008) 'Have you now overcome your existential crisis and acquainted yourself with the Olympic memorandum?' You replied: 'I am happy to answer questions from Assembly members that clearly refer to statutory functions exercisable by me. Indeed, I have gone further than my predecessor by, for example, reversing his policy of refusing to answer questions relating to the MPA or MPS. This was done in the spirit of openness, transparency and accountability. Sadly this question does not seek to obtain information on my statutory functions and is therefore a waste of taxpayers’ money.' In total, you gave this reply to five written questions from Labour members at that meeting. And yet all were asking you about matters on which you or your advisers have freely commented. Is this a standard response to questions that are potentially embarrassing to you? *

Answer by Boris Johnson

As I have previously said, I am happy to answer questions from Assembly members that clearly refer to statutory functions exercisable by me. Indeed, I have gone further than my predecessor by, for example, reversing his policy of refusing to answer questions relating to the MPA or MPS. This was done in the spirit of openness, transparency and accountability. Sadly questions of this nature do not seek to obtain information on my statutory functions and are therefore a waste of taxpayers’ money.