AN MP has been praised for becoming the first government minister to answer London Assembly members’ questions in public.

Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill today appeared at City Hall where he was quizzed about the government’s plans for more devolution of powers to the Greater London Authority and London councils.

Mr Neill, who is Conservative, is the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

In a motion moved by assembly chairman Dee Doocey to thank Mr Neill for appearing, she said: “Bob Neill’s attendance proved there is no reasonable impediment to ministers being open and frank with Londoners and their elected representative about government plans for the capital.

“I hope this welcome development marks fresh thinking in Whitehall and will be repeated by other ministers.”