Boris Johnson is to replace advisor Kit Malthouse and businessman Harvey McGrath as Chair of the London Enterprise Panel (LEP).
Established in February 2012, the LEP advises the Mayor on policies to grow London’s economy, create new jobs and boost London’s competitiveness.
Assembly Member Malthouse and Mr McGrath previously acted as co-chairs and will now serve as joint deputy-chairs.
City Hall says the Mayor’s decision to Chair the LEP highlights its “growing importance as a driver of jobs and growth in the capital”. It also follows publication of the Mayor’s 2020 Vision and the London Finance Commission report, both of which contain measures to support London’s economy.
The Mayor has also made further appointments to the LEP to ensure it reflects key priorities including transport, housing and Olympic and Paralympic legacy.
Sir Peter Hendy, Transport for London Commissioner; Isabel Dedring, Deputy Mayor for transport; Richard Blakeway, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Land; and Neale Coleman, his Olympic legacy advisor and Vice Chair of the London Legacy Development Corporation, will all join the panel.
In addition, Jules Pipe, Chair of London Councils, has been invited to attend meetings as an observer. The Mayor will also appoint a representative from London’s university sector.
Announcing the changes, Mayor Johnson said: ‘Kit Malthouse and Harvey McGrath have steered the London Enterprise Panel from infancy to the point where it is now primed to take on an even greater role in shaping the capital’s economic future.
“As my 2020 Vision spells out plainly, London faces critical challenges in the coming decades. We need to fight our corner in the global race, whilst supporting an unprecedented population expansion. The London Enterprise Panel is playing a vital role, oiling the levers of economic growth and helping to forge our case to government for future funding.
‘It’s down to me, Kit and Harvey, backed by an unprecedented panel of experts, to deliver on the LEP’s objectives, to drive jobs and growth across London.’
