By Matthew Champion.
Lawyers for the former deputy of London mayor Boris Johnson charged with fraud say their client is 'surprised and saddened' at the development.
Ian Clement, from Crayford, Kent, has been charged with five offences under section one and two of the Fraud Act in connection with alleged misuse of expenses.
The 44-year-old resigned as Mr Johnson's deputy mayor for government and external relations in June after allegations about the use of his corporate credit card.
Scotland Yard said Mr Clement, who had his case referred to the crown prosecution service (CPS) by the Greater London Authority, had been bailed until he is due to appear at City of Westminster magistrates court on September 8th.
Commenting, his lawyer Jeremy Summers of Russell Jones and Walker said: 'Mr Clement is surprised and saddened that the CPS should have felt that prosecution was appropriate.
'He has cooperated fully with the investigation which relates to five meal expense claims which have a total value of £227.00. In the context of other, and far more significant, investigations it is a matter of regret that political expediency appears to be present.
'Given that proceedings have been brought it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.'
Mr Johnson has lost several high profile figures from his team after a string of controversies.
First transport minister Tim Parker left after discovering he would not be made chairman of Transport for London.
He was preceded by Ray Lewis, another deputy mayor, following allegations about his past and James McGrath, senior political strategist, for comments about immigrants of Caribbean origin.
Lawyers for the former deputy of London mayor Boris Johnson charged with fraud say their client is 'surprised and saddened' at the development.
Ian Clement, from Crayford, Kent, has been charged with five offences under section one and two of the Fraud Act in connection with alleged misuse of expenses.
The 44-year-old resigned as Mr Johnson's deputy mayor for government and external relations in June after allegations about the use of his corporate credit card.
Scotland Yard said Mr Clement, who had his case referred to the crown prosecution service (CPS) by the Greater London Authority, had been bailed until he is due to appear at City of Westminster magistrates court on September 8th.
Commenting, his lawyer Jeremy Summers of Russell Jones and Walker said: 'Mr Clement is surprised and saddened that the CPS should have felt that prosecution was appropriate.
'He has cooperated fully with the investigation which relates to five meal expense claims which have a total value of £227.00. In the context of other, and far more significant, investigations it is a matter of regret that political expediency appears to be present.
'Given that proceedings have been brought it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.'
Mr Johnson has lost several high profile figures from his team after a string of controversies.
First transport minister Tim Parker left after discovering he would not be made chairman of Transport for London.
He was preceded by Ray Lewis, another deputy mayor, following allegations about his past and James McGrath, senior political strategist, for comments about immigrants of Caribbean origin.
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