By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

June 15 - London Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured right) wants to control the future of the legacy of the Olympic Park after London has hosted the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.


Under new proposals announced today, Johnson wants the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) to be reformed as a Mayoral Development Corporation, directly responsible to the Mayor and accountable to Londoners.

The OPLC was formed jointly in May 2009 by the Labour Government and the Mayor to direct the future of the Olympic Park after the Games.

But Johnson wants Whitehall to devolve its OPLC powers so that officials there report solely to him, he claimed to bring more focus to exploiting the legacy benefits of London 2012.

There are currently seven bodies contributing to the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley, one of the main attentions of the Olympic regeneration, which Johnson claims causes duplication and confusion.

Johnson unveiled his proposals, along with several others, at a meeting of the London Congress - a joint venture between the leaders of the capital’s 32 Boroughs and the Mayor.

He claimed that it would provide London’s residents with greater political and economic accountability.

Johnson has already held detailed talks with Prime Minister David Cameron in advance of the General Election, during which he pitched for greater powers for the Mayor’s office, the Greater London Authority and London’s Boroughs, including control of the OPLC.

Johnson said: "The capital is a global powerhouse, with a population as large as Wales and Scotland combined, yet despite providing this world city with clear leadership, the mayoralty has few formal powers.

"This will no longer do."

A spokeswoman for the OPLC refused to comment.

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