London's new Night Czar Amy Lamé facing growing questions over her business credentials

Amy Lamé, outside City Hall, will champion the capital’s night-time economy
Rex
Pippa Crerar14 November 2016

The Mayor’s appointment of comedian Amy Lamé as Night Czar faced growing criticism today amid concern she lacked the business experience required to protect London’s 24-hour economy.

The US-born broadcaster was revealed as the capital’s night-time champion by Sadiq Khan ten days ago but the announcement has prompted questions about her qualifications for the job.

Ms Lamé led the successful campaign to save the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, an iconic gay venue, and has also been ceremonial mayoress of Camden, but critics say she lacks wide-ranging business expertise.

The capital’s night-time economy is worth £26 billion a year, representing around eight per cent of London’s econony and supporting one in eight jobs.

The Mayor originally intended that his Night Czar would take over the London Night Time Commission, usually run by a political or cultural heavyweight, but has subsequently removed that responsibility from the role.

Ben Rogers, director at the Centre for London, said: “We welcome the appointment of Any Lamé as London’s first Night Czar, to champion late night fun and creativity. But it’s important that the Night Czar’s remit is not defined too narrowly.

“As London becomes an increasingly 24-hour city, the Night Czar will need to address the concerns not only of clubbers and comedy lovers, but the rights and welfare of London’s night workers.

“It is only by supporting all these aspects of London’s night economy that we can create a city that works for everybody, every hour of the day.”

Sue Terpilowski of the Federation of Small Businesses added: “Small businesses are being squeezed by the cost of doing business in the capital, particularly high business rates, so it is vitally important for Amy to work with business to create opportunities for growth.”

It comes after it emerged the appointment would be investigated by the London Assembly after reports that Mr Khan had “changed the rules” to hand the Labour supporter and fundraiser the job.

Ms Lamé, who will earn £35,000 for a 2.5 day week, raised money for Mr Khan’s mayoral election campaign, hosting an event called “Khan’s Get You Outta My Head” and appearing in his campaign videos.

Tory group leader on the Assembly Gareth Bacon said: “We will need to be satisfied that she was appointed on merit.”

A spokesman for the Mayor said there had been an “open and rigorous application process” for the Night Czar and she was the most qualified candidate out of 200 applicants.

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