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London Politics Desk
Brian Coleman the serving Mayor of Barnet, Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden and the chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority claimed nearly £400 from the London Fire Brigade funds to make a taxi journey across London to attend a function hosted by the Lord Mayor.
Dave Hill the Guardian journalist in his blog said:
"The revelation - which will outrage firefighters and taxpayers alike - comes as brigade managers seek to make savings across the board, claiming the organisation is entering a period of severe financial austerity."
The news of Brian Coleman taxi expenses will only serve to further damage the morale of London politicians following the "Clement scandal" this week. The information of the taxi expenses was uncovered following a Freedom of Information request by the Fire Brigades Union.
The event Cllr Coleman claimed for the expenses took place on 10 November 2008, who was a guest of the Lord Mayor for his annual banquet at the Guildhall. Others attending included the Prime Minister and Archbishop of Canterbury.
Cllr Coleman is claimed to have opted to use a black cab as opposed to using public transport to arrive at the event.
The return fare itself totaled £104, with Dave Hill claiming "the bulk of the cost - an eye-watering £264 - was incurred due to the driver being told to wait for five hours on the pavement, while Coleman was inside hob-nobbing it with the rich and powerful."
A service charge of £28 was also paid by the fire brigade.
Cllr Coleman in his maiden speech as Mayor of Barnet said:
"Whilst mayor of this borough I will not tolerate anyone in this chamber or outside who regard it cool and trendy to undermine democratic institutions, and I do not have time for those who have community criticism rather community service." photo credit: London Daily News copyright
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