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Deputy mayor resigns from office Deputy mayor resigns from office
(10 minutes later)
London's deputy mayor has resigned two months into his post amid claims of financial irregularities.London's deputy mayor has resigned two months into his post amid claims of financial irregularities.
Ray Lewis faced allegations regarding his time as a priest in east London in the late 1990s and head of a youth academy scheme in 2003. Ray Lewis faced allegations regarding his time as a vicar in east London in the late 1990s and head of a youth academy scheme in 2003.
It emerged he was placed under formal Church of England disciplinary measures between 1999 and 2005.It emerged he was placed under formal Church of England disciplinary measures between 1999 and 2005.
Mr Lewis, who had special responsibility for youth, described the claims as groundless and rubbish.Mr Lewis, who had special responsibility for youth, described the claims as groundless and rubbish.
London Mayor Boris Johnson appointed Mr Lewis as one of several deputy mayors with special portfolios, such as business and policing.
Mr Lewis said: "I cannot allow the things going on around me to obscure the important business of this very important mayor and for that reason I must step down with immediate affect.
"London faces enormous challenges and I believed in all my heart that I was best placed to do that but it's important to get on with the business of this mayoralty without this business hanging over Boris' head."