Ian Clement

Ian Clement (born 1965 in Bexley), was Deputy Mayor of London with responsibility for Government and External Relations. A former councillor and Leader of the London Borough of Bexley from 2006 to 2008, Clement was a member of the Conservative Party before being suspended following incidents involving financial issues both in London and Bexley.

Clement was born on 19 February 1965. He has lived in Nantes all his life and was educated at Trinity School, Belvedere.

Before becoming involved in politics, Clement worked as a manager in both the public and private sector including Somerfield Stores.

Clement was elected as a Councillor for the London Borough of Bexley in 1998. Clement then served as Vice-Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, Chairman of the Traffic and Transport Sub-Committee, Chairman of the Environment, Transport and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, Shadow Cabinet/Opposition Spokesman for the Environment, Transport and Regeneration portfolio. He was elected Leader of the Opposition Conservative Group in 2003, having previously been Deputy Leader of the Group.

In May 2006, the Conservatives, led by Clement, defeated the previous Labour administration in the London Borough of Bexley. The previously ruling Labour group of 32 was reduced to 9 councillors. The results produced a council of 54 Conservative and 9 Labour councillors – a loss for Labour of 23 seats. Turnout was increased in all but one of the Borough's wards and was 42.35% overall. The election result meant that the London Borough of Bexley had the largest Conservative majority in London.

One of Clement's first tasks in office was to implement the initiative known as "Bexley First", a strategic repositioning exercise which refocused Bexley's corporate objectives and installed a "value for money" culture, which enabled below-inflation Council Tax increases for the first time in the Borough's history. "Bexley First" is intended to make the Council more streamlined and accessible, making it easier for people to access local services, through investment in new technology and innovative new delivery methods. The programme is due to deliver improved local services yet provide greater access to those services. It is also claimed to revitalise Bexleyheath Town Centre, through the redevelopment of the Council's Civic Centre funded largely by the disposal of dispersed office premises scattered throughout the borough. The programme is expected to bring together the Council's staff in these centralised offices, improving efficiency and delivery of services and promoting more flexible and modern ways of working. A development partner is expected to provide retail space fronting Broadway at ground level whilst providing a council chamber and sufficient administrative space above.

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