Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced the appointment of Ray Lewis as his advisor for Young People.
A former prison Governor, Mr Lewis is described as having “considerable experience working with young men” as Director of EastSide Young Leaders Academy which works with youths to help turn their lives around.
Commenting on the appointment, Mayor Johnson said: “I have a huge amount of respect for Ray Lewis and what he has achieved. I want to build on his success to deliver real change for young people in London both now and in the future. Ray’s dynamic but strict approach has given countless opportunities to hundreds of young men in London and helped raise their aspirations as a result. He has helped them achieve more than they ever hoped possible and now I want to spread that magic across London.”
“We face a wave of violent crime amongst young people in the Capital. Kids are killing other kids. Ray will be part of my team who will work night and day until we put an end to this tragic trend.
“Working with voluntary groups across the Capital, we will make a real difference to the lives of young people and their families. Londoners need action on this issue, and I won’t rest until we deliver it”.
Although not elected Mr Lewis has been given the title ‘Deputy Mayor for Young People’ however under the 1999 Act which created the Greater London Authority the Deputy Mayor of London must be a serving member of the London Assembly.
When questioned about the use of the term a spokesperson for the Mayor said: “Ray Lewis is the first announcement of Boris Johnson’s new team which are a direct reflection of his priorities on how he is going to change London. The announcement of a Statutory Deputy Mayor will be made shortly”.
Related link: There’s Only One Deputy Mayor
