New grants role for Lewisham Mayor

Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock has been elected chair of the London Councils Grants Committee.

The cross-party committee develops and monitors the work of the London Councils' grants scheme, which provides £28.4 million funding for more than 300 voluntary organisations in the capital.

Sir Steve became Lewisham's first directly elected Mayor in May 2002, having previously been leader of the borough. He was first elected as a councillor in 1982.

"I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take on this role," he said.

"The business of this committee is of great importance to me personally as well as helping thousands of Londoners each year through the funding it provides.

"I look forward to working with closely with colleagues at London Councils and continuing the excellent work of this committee."

Cllr Stephen Carr (Con) Leader of Bromley and Cllr Penny Shelton, Kingston (Lib Dem) were named as vice chairs.