Eight of London's nine Deputy Mayors previously worked in professions such as dance production, social psychology lecturing, football, employment law, journalism, special advising, and charity work. None of these individuals have experience running a business, according to Alex Challoner.
The Mayor of London is only required by the Greater London Act to have one deputy, but currently has nine, each earning up to £151,465 annually. Only Howard Dawber, the Deputy Mayor for Business, has an extensive background in business, having been a senior executive with the Canary Wharf Group.
A survey of FTSE 100 Chairmen indicated that 89% believe a lack of commercial experience among politicians is detrimental to British business. Challoner suggests that policy is being made without a full understanding of its impact due to this lack of private sector experience.