The annual event has been free for most of its history but, citing safety concerns raised by the Met, London Ambulance Service and Transport for London, the Mayor approved a move to paid-for ticketing for this year’s display.
100,000 tickets have been made available, with Londoners and visitors each paying £10 to attend.
However it’s emerged that parliamentarians will be able to enjoy the display for free because they qualify for special passes being issued to businesses and organisations operating in the event’s security exclusion zone to ensure staff can still gain access to their premises.
The information was revealed in answer to a question from Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon.
Ms Pidgeon is now calling on the Mayor either to secure a contribution to the event’s running costs from the parliamentary authorities, or to encourage MPs who make use of the passes to make a donation to the Mayor’s Fund for London.
Separately the Assembly Member is calling for a commitment that a Mayoral Decision approving the move to a ticketed event will be published.
Mr Johnson has previously claimed it “contains information that if disclosed could prejudice the commercial interests of the GLA, particularly in relation to the details of the procurement for services and sponsorship.”
The next Mayor’s Question Time takes place at City Hall at 10am, Wednesday November 19th.
