Mayor signs up architect on £1 salary

One of the world's greatest architects has been appointed as an adviser to Mayor Ken Livingstone - on a £1 salary.

Richard Rogers, whose projects include the Millennium Dome and the Lloyd's of London building, has agreed to continue to head the architecture and urbanism unit at City Hall. Originally appointed as a paid consultant in 2001, he has worked without payment since May 2002, during Mr Livingstone's first term.

Now the Mayor has moved to sign up Lord Rogers, 70, throughout his second fouryear term. The unit advises him on design issues, such as plans to transform 100 public spaces throughout the capital.

Mr Livingstone said: "It is proposed that Richard Rogers does not receive any payment beyond a nominal consideration of £1." Lord Rogers's appointment has attracted controversy in the past due to concern about possible conflicts of interest between his role and the work of his practice, the Richard Rogers Partnership.

An investigation by the London Assembly's standards committee found no evidence of any conflict.