• Question by: Mike Tuffrey
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

Okay, so you help set the thing up and those teething troubles were sorted out. You're well paid, Londoners would think, out of their money, to do a job. We're trying to see whether you're doing a good job. What difference do you think you're actually making, you personally, that Londoners perhaps would notice?

• Question by: Mike Tuffrey
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

Thank you, Simon. I want to give you full opportunity to shine because what emerges from the discussion so far, what we've focused on, is the process by which the office functions and the decisions that are taken. What emerges is a very central role for you as filter of lots of advice, controller of the diary, and so forth. That risks having you in the position of a shadowy figure operating in the background without transparency in the public seeing what you're up to. Could you just tell us what is the thing that you're most proud of having...

• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

While you were operating while the Mayor was on his holidays in Australia, how often did you communicate with the Mayor?

• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

And is that on the basis of a framework of decision parameters that you've been left with by the Mayor, or is that on the basis of regular communications with the Mayor while he's away?

• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

So while he's away, you sign the decision forms?

• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

And when he is absent - you pointed to the larger of those files in front of you as being decision forms while the Mayor was away?

• Question by: John Biggs
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

There is a well established civil service culture in the UK apparently which is'

• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

Okay, can I move on to the second area of your work, which is the sort of surrogate brain for the Mayor? As I understand it, you interpret what are likely to be his views and enforce decisions or make decisions on his behalf. Does that mean that you sign decision forms, or you pass him decision forms saying this is one you've signed, or both?

• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

And how often is the Mayor flying without lights, in the sense of taking part in meetings without the benefit of filtered advice?

• Question by: Toby Harris
• Meeting date: 12 June 2002

So that's a process you engage in, deciding whether the advice is sufficient?