FORMER Bexley Council leader and deputy London mayor, Ian Clement, pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud when he appeared before Westminster magistrates this morning.

Mr Clement, aged 44, of Heatherbank Close, Crayford, had been facing five charges under sections one and two of the Fraud Act in relation to the claiming of expenses while deputy London mayor, using his Greater London Authority (GLA) credit card.

Today Mr Clement admitted dishonestly claiming for a £32.50 lunch with Enfield Council leader Councillor Michael Rye; a £72.50 meal with Barnet Council leader Councillor Mike Freer, and a meal with Kensington and Chelsea Council leader Councillor Merrick Cockell, costing £51.70, all between November 20 and November 26 last year.

Two further charges of dishonestly claiming for a £65 meal with Tory MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers on October 17 last year, and £5.90 for coffee with Cllr Cockell, claimed on March 22 this year, were dropped.

He is due to be sentenced later today.

After pleading guilty Mr Clement said, through his solicitor: “I have failed to live up to the high standards of office that were properly expected of me.

“I have given many years of dedicated public service to London, which has been my pride, my passion and my life.

"That is now over.

“There is no denial in regards to my responsibility.

“I very much regret and indeed am truly sorry for my actions and that these have let down many good people, my family, my friends and colleagues including and not least, the Mayor of London.

“I would like to thank my solicitor, Jeremy Summers, at Russell Jones & Walker, Jim Sturman QC and all those who have supported me.

“I now have no further comment to make."

Mr Clement resigned as Bexley Council leader in May last year to take up newly-elected London Mayor Boris Johnson's offer of an £128,000 deputy mayor's job.

He was forced to resign from the GLA in June when his expenses claims were questioned and the GLA referred the matter to the Met Police for investigation.