The Chair of the London Assembly, Darren Johnson AM, has today written to the Chief Executive of the Greater London Authority (GLA) asking him to take action to prevent the GLA’s nominations for Buckingham Palace Garden Party invitations being exploited for political purposes.
Darren Johnson AM said:
"Assembly Members are entitled to be nominated for a Garden Party invitation as elected representatives. To seek to exploit that privilege for political advantage shows disrespect for the event and risks bringing the GLA into disrepute.
The full text of the Chair’s letter is:
Dear Chief Executive
Following discussion with Assembly party Group Leaders, I am writing to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Richard Barnbrook’s plans to bring as his guest the Leader of the BNP, Mr Nick Griffin, or another prominent member of the party, to Her Majesty’s Garden Party.
Mr Barnbrook is clearly attempting to turn an event designed to recognise community service into a political stunt and I consider his actions to be an abuse of the Assembly’s nomination system for the event. Mr Barnbrook must either bring a guest who will not provoke political controversy, or his nomination should be rescinded. I ask you to take the necessary steps to protect the reputation of the Authority and the integrity of the event.
Yours sincerely
Darren Johnson
Chair of the London Assembly