Lynne Featherstone

London Lib Dems have today reacted with anger at Ken Livingstone's refusal to appoint their borough nominee, Councillor Ed Butcher, who is openly gay, to the London Fire Authority.

Haringey borough councillor Ed Butcher (Stroud Green ward) was selected as the Lib Dem nominee following an election amongst all London Liberal Democrat councillors.

However the Mayor took steps to refuse to appoint nine representatives on the grounds that they were 'completely unrepresentative'.

It seems likely the decision will be legally challenged on the grounds that the Mayor does not have the power to refuse nominations.

Councillor Ed Butcher comments:

"I have always considered my sexuality as secondary to my ability to scrutinise the Fire Brigade's performance and ensure it is ready to respond to emergencies on behalf of all Londoners.

"But if the Mayor wants to make a point about diversity, it is quite astounding that he has refused to appoint me for not being diverse enough. London has the highest gay population in the country but it seems the Mayor thinks they do not deserve representation.

"Ken Livingstone can now add gay and lesbians to the lists of groups and minorities he has personally offended."

Mike Tuffrey, Liberal Democrat leader on the London Assembly adds:

"I don't think there is a respectable party in London that doesn't consider women and black and ethnic minority under-representation as a serious issue. However throwing the Fire Authority into crisis weeks before it appoints the Fire commissioner is hardly the most constructive way of solving the problem."