Sadiq Khan has been accused of presiding over a “shambolic” and “sham” consultation on plans to axe police stations and front counters.
The Mayor, who blames the planned closures on government funding cuts, had promised that Londoners would be fully consulted on the proposals.
However, while the consultation process was officially launched on July 14th, full details of public meetings at which local residents will be able question Sophie Linden, Mr Khan’s policing deputy, and senior Met officers about the plans were only published for the first time this week.
The first of these meetings takes place tonight, Wednesday 6th, in Kensington & Chelsea.
Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, has condemned the delay in publishing the details, which will reduce the number of residents who can take part.
She said: “The Mayor should be ashamed of this shambolic consultation process. His knee jerk reaction to blame central Government for absolutely everything is becoming tedious. It is time he started to carry out his own responsibilities properly as Mayor of London.
“It is only right that properly organised and well publicised public meetings are held so local people can fully understand what is being proposed.
“Local people should also be able to question those putting forward the proposals, including the Deputy Mayor for Policing.
“Sadly it seems in many parts of London the public will only hear about these meetings after they have actually taken place.”
Ms Pidgeon warned that delays in publishing the information risked turning the consultation “into a sham.”
The delay in publishing the information will raise fresh questions about the operation of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime which is responsible for overseeing the consultation.
In July leaked emails revealed that meetings between deputy mayor Linden and local councils over the controversial merger of borough commands weren’t properly minuted, making it harder to follow up on concerns.
Article originally appeared on Mayor Watch
