Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister is to take over as the Mayor of London's chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning.

Cllr Lister, who has led Wandsworth since 1992 succeeds Sir Simon Milton who died last week. He is expected to begin work at City Hall next month.

Under Cllr Lister's leadership Wandsworth became the most successful value for money local authority in the country - combining a four star Audit Commission rating for excellence with the country's lowest council tax bills and top satisfaction ratings from its residents.

He has been a leading campaigner on environmental, quality of life and transport issues and played a lead role in forming the all-party alliance in south west London that defeated plans to expand Heathrow. He was also a member of the Forensic Audit Team appointed by the Mayor following his election in 2008.

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He will manage the Mayor's budgets, relations with the boroughs and ensure City Hall continues to deliver the Mayor's priorities.

With specialist knowledge of planning, Cllr Lister is ideally placed to advise the Mayor and ensure the right balance is struck between much needed development and respecting the city's skyline and character.

He is currently leader of the Conservative Group on London Councils.

Cllr Lister said: "I am incredibly proud to be following in Sir Simon's footsteps and excited to be joining Boris's team at City Hall.

"This is a great time to become involved in the running of London. It's uniquely placed to attract investment in new development that will improve the quality of life for Londoners.

"It's a huge wrench to be leaving Wandsworth. We have a superb team which is committed to showing how a local council can deliver modern, effective services at a price people can afford."

(CD/GK)