BREAKING NEWS: Boris's disgraced Deputy faces new accusations...

Tonight's London Standard reveals that Boris Johnson's disgraced Deputy Mayor Ray Lewis faces new accusations of sexual misconduct.

Ken on 'The incompetence of Boris and the crisis for Cameron...'

Former Mayor Ken Livingstone sums up the chaos of two months of Boris Johnson running London.

When the story broke on Thursday, Ken gave support to the Tory who beat him, saying Boris was right to 'stick by his man' unless and until the allegations produced evidence.

But with Boris's choice of Deputy Mayor Ray Lewis forced to resign after it was revealed he wasn't even a magistrate as he claimed, Ken told the BBC Today programme this morning:

In a mere two months in office Boris Johnson has already suffered the second resignation from among his most senior officials - Deputy Mayor Ray Lewis following Deputy Chief of Staff James McGrath two weeks ago.

In my entire eight years in office I suffered only one enforced resignation of any of my most senior officials, Lee Jasper - and that only after seven years.

This extreme contrast shows vividly the incompetence of Boris Johnson and his administration.

It is an equal crisis for David Cameron who, it should be remembered, chose to make his first photo opportunity as Tory leader with Ray Lewis.

Spot on Ken!

Boris's Deputy: How the Standard tone changed as story unravelled...

After my moan earlier Friday that the London Standard hadn't splashed the big story of the allegations against Boris Johnson's Deputy on their first edition, it's only fair that I show you the front page of their final West End edition which I picked up as I headed for home this evening.

And I have to say that the billboards matched the change in tone as the story unravelled.

Unfortunately, Ray Lewis's resignation came too late to hit the Standard's news-stands.

Too early yet to see a hard copy of Saturday's Daily Mail, but Newsnight showed the early front page which I recall is headlined: Boris: the wheels are coming off already.

I guess we'll have to wait patiently for the Sunday papers to see how much of the damage from the Ray Lewis scandal sticks to either Boris Johnson or David Cameron...

UPDATE: Here's the Daily Mail front page, courtesy of the Sky site.


UPDATE 2: And here's the Indy which devotes its entire front page to the story...(or rather what's left after all the promos). The Indy story and analysis is well worth a read.

Enjoy.

Boris's Deputy falls on his sword - now spotlight should turn on Cameron...

Ray Lewis resigned tonight after revelations that:

1. He was NOT and NEVER has been a magistrate - as claimed as recently as yesterday by Boris Johnson trying to defend his choice of Lewis as his Deputy Mayor of London and...

2. Scotland Yard investigated a string of complaints against Ray Lewis - but each time decided to take no further action.

This sleaze scandal doesn't just reflect badly on Boris Johnson who suggested he didn't need to vet Lewis because he'd already been vetted as a magistrate!!

A spokesperson for Boris Johnson actually claimed this afternoon that Lewis has 'gone through the strongest vetting process outside MI5' ...oh yeah?!

More seriously, 'Lewisgate' once again calls into question the judgement - or rather complete lack of it - by David Cameron, the Tory choice for Prime Minister.

The now shamed Ray Lewis actually introduced Cameron as 'my mate Dave' at the launch of Boris Johnson's campaign to become Mayor of London.

Cameron described Mr Lewis as

'the most inspirational person he had met since becoming Leader of the Conservatives...'

Ray's best mate Dave may be regretting his choice of 'mates'...

UPDATE: You can now see Ray Lewis's resignation speech at the BBC in which he blames the media for acting like 'a modern schoolchild who won't accept the concept of delayed gratification' and explains that it is splitting hairs to say he is not a magistrate as he has passed all the interviews and has a letter to say he will be recommended to be one.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has warned that London's problems won't be solved if he only appints 'antiseptic yes-men' and has spoken of Mr Lewis's 'god-given abilities'. Boris appeals for Mr Lewis to be left alone, so that he can clear his name and be re-appointed Deputy Mayor.

Some hope Boris.

UPDATE 2: Daily Mail splash tomorrow - Boris: the wheels are coming off already.

BREAKING NEWS: Boris Deputy is NOT a magistrate...

After what I said about it's first edition earlier today, fair play to reporter Pippa Crear and Standard for revealing this gem.

It certainly leaves Boris Johnson rather exposed after suggesting that he didn't need to carry out checks on Ray Lewis before appointing him from relative obscurity to Deputy Mayor because he'd already been vetted as a magistrate!

No doubt C4 will have more at seven.

Either way, looks like Ray Lewis - and Boris - have some more explaining to do.

BREAKING NEWS: Boris's Deputy Mayor faces sexual misconduct inquiry...

It has been revealed that Boris Johnson's Deputy Mayor was 'struck off' by the Church of England after complaints of sexual misconduct some years ago.

I understand the new Mayor is currently holding a press conference where he says he will launch an independent inquiry into the allegations against Ray Lewis who he appointed as Deputy Mayor days after his election victory a couple of months ago.

As well as allegations of a sexual nature, it appears the media are also asking questions regarding Mr Lewis's financial dealings.

Boris Johnson is apparently standing by Mr Lewis - who denies the allegations - and refusing to suspend him while the inquiry sits.

I seem to recall that was similar to Ken Livingstone's response after allegations were made against one of his key aides Lee Jasper, who eventually resigned after a relentless media campaign against him which for weeks dominated the Mayoral election campaign.

Will be interesting, to say the least, how this story runs, now the boot appears to be on the other foot.

UPDATE: Guardian looks at the potential damage to both Boris Johnson and David Cameron who has apparently heaped praise on Ray Lewis...