Search questions

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

The key issue is about what you knew about the failure by Lee Jasper to declare outside business interests with key players in this whole scheme, and when you knew it. The key is when did you know that that was the position?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

Mr Mayor, obviously as you pointed out, the Assembly has been frustrated about not being able to ask Lee Jasper questions. When were you made aware of Lee Jasper's undeclared interests or failure to declare interests?

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

I am going simply on your own comments that what he did in relation to the agreed facts - not the matter that the lawyer is looking at - of what was stupid and that the emails were inappropriate and unacceptable. Just on those bases alone do you still intend to reappoint him?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

So will that inquiry as far as you are concerned report in time for voters to make their choice about the way you run your Mayoralty?

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

Dear, dear, you really have lost it haven't you?

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

As far as you are concerned you are the Mayor, you are the directly elected Chief Executive and you are responsible, ultimately, for the probity of the organisation. The buck stops with you. One of your closest associates, a man you have worked with for 20-odd years and a man you trust with your life unfortunately breaches the Code of Conduct. That is not a matter for you to make sure that everything was properly recorded and documented to go to the Monitoring Officer; to protect yourself? You did not even do that?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

Finally from me, Mr Mayor, when Lee Jasper went to the United States in June last year, who paid for the predominant elements of his journey?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

So you did know about all these undeclared interests; is that what you are telling us?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

We did and we did not get an answer and so I am asking you, Mr Mayor.

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 12 March 2008

There are other qualified lawyers in this building. She happens to be someone who, by the nature of her job, has worked closely with Mr Jasper and also - because policy directors, your political appointees in other words, have to be identified with your policies - is closely identified with you. Why not ask the Chief Executive, the impartial Head of Paid Service, to make the search and employ such legal advice as he thinks appropriate?