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Night Time Commission chairman quits: ‘The commission lacks the required independence’

Philip Kolvin QC will not renew his contract...

Philip Kolvin QC has ended his role as chairman of London’s Night Time Commission, deciding not to renew his contract when it expired this month.

The respected lawyer and licensing expert, who helped save Fabric by organising a deal with Islington Council, was appointed to the role by Mayor Sadiq Khan last year to help deliver his vision of a 24-hour city.

Kolvin has now stepped down, however; in a letter seen by the Evening Standard he states that he has “no option” but to leave, criticising City Hall for the lack of independence the NTC was allowed and saying there was “insufficient assurance” this would change. 

 "I regret that I cannot allow my professional independence to be compromised. Nor can I serve on a commission which lacks independence," wrote Kolvin, adding he’d even gone as far as to offer his services for free if the problems could be resolved. "Sadly, they have not,” he continued. “In these circumstances, I have no option but to permit my contract to expire."

In a statement, City Hall said: “The important work of the commission will continue and a new chair will be appointed in due course.”