THE London Assembly is unable to confirm if it has received any complaints about Barnet's Mayor, Brian Coleman's “odious toad” comments.

The assembly which scrutinises decisions made by London's Mayor and works to improve life for Londoners keeps information about complaints confidential until its assessment sub-committee has reviewed them and issued a decision notice explaining what, if any, action is to follow.

The public will only find out a complaint has been logged once that decision has been made.

The sub-committee also has the power to hear requests to keep the complaint secret if it decides the complaint is malicious or unfounded.

It can also keep details such as the complainant's name and address or sensitive medical information out of the public domain when requested.

Cllr Coleman, who represents Totteridge ward on Barnet Council and is also chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, has been criticised by fellow assembly members (AM) after he called the AM for City and East, John Biggs an “odious toad” during a public committee meeting on October 22.

Jennette Arnold AM for North East London, who chaired the committee, said: “Constituents believe that we have a job to do and it is just so appalling that they should see this behaviour.”

Mr Biggs said Cllr Coleman had gone “over the top”.

He added: “It's not surprising, it's the sort of thing that Brian does.”

The London Assembly has 25 members, who earn £52,910 each per year.

Cllr Coleman picks up an extra £25,613 per year for his role as chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

To view the London Assembly's Code of Conduct for Members visit: www.london.gov.uk/assembly/rulebook/index.jsp#code What do you think of Cllr Coleman's outburst? Leave your comments in the box below