Londoners robbed - State of London debate becomes Labour publicity opportunity

9.23.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 14th Apr 2004

This year's State of London debate has been hijacked by the Labour Party and turned into a free publicity opportunity for some of its election candidates, robbing Londoners of the chance to hear a balanced discussion about the running of their city, said the London Assembly Liberal Democrats today.

Graham Tope, leader of the London Assembly Lib Dems, said:

"This annual event is paid for by Londoners and is meant to be their opportunity to question those responsible for delivering the capital's public services.

"Although three Labour Party candidates will be on the platform to listen and respond to Londoners, the Mayor has failed to ask any representatives of the other parties to take part in the debate.

"What sort of a debate will this be with only Labour members invited to take part? Such a partisan, one-sided event should not be allowed to take place this close to the election."

ENDS

Notes to editors: The State of London Debate takes place on 29 April 2004 and is organised by the Mayor of London's office.