Sian Berry is hoping to become an MP in Brighton

FORMER Camden councillor Sian Berry was facing flak yesterday (Wednesday) for winning a seat on the London Assembly and then passing it to another member.

The Greens retained three seats in last week’s elections but Ms Berry – who was top of the “list” candidates for the party – declined to take up her seat and the place has transferred to fourth-place mayoral candidate Zoe Garbett.

Ms Berry has previously been holding the twin role of being a London Assembly member and a parliamentary candidate in Brighton Pavilion.

Labour councillor Matt Cooper said: “Getting elected, and resigning right after to pass the job to your mate, is just fundamentally disrespectful to the electorate. I’m genuinely stunned by how brazen this is.”

Scott Emery, the Liberal Democrat candidate in Barnet and Camden, said: “It’s frankly ridiculous that she resigned. It begs the question of whether she stood on a platform when she had no plans to ever be the actual representative. I think it’s dishonest and a disgraceful way to treat the public.”

Ms Berry tweeted: “My work holding a Labour Mayor to account means I am ready to do the same with a new Prime Minister, and I am looking forward to spending even more time in Brighton, listening to what matters to people here.”