THE Mayor of London says Bromley council’s refusal to allow gay wedding ceremonies has sullied the capital’s reputation.

And he has turned to Conservative leader Michael Howard for his opinion on whether the borough should allow the ceremonies from December.

Ken Livingstone wrote in a letter to Mr Howard: "I do not want London’s international reputation as an open and tolerant city to be sullied by the actions and statements of one of its boroughs.

"I know this decision by Bromley and the statements of the councillors do not represent the views of the vast majority of Londoners and I trust they do not represent your views as leader of the opposition."

However, a spokesman for Mr Howard implied the leader didn’t share the mayor’s outrage: "Michael Howard is in favour of greater independence for local authorities. He does not therefore believe it would be right for him to seek to comment on, or interfere in, the decisions of local authorities such as Bromley. They are responsible to their electors for their decisions."

Increasing pressure from newspapers, the gay community and residents has forced the council to reconsider its decision – but it denied it was being influenced by protestors.

A spokesman said it had planned to review the demand for gay wedding ceremonies next January, but admitted a decision will now be made by October – two months before the Civil Partnership Act is enforced.

He said: "The portfolio holder in March did not commit to authorising partnership ceremonies.

"He held the matter open and no decision on whether the council will offer partnership ceremonies has yet been made."

Local authorities can decide whether to allow ceremonies but have no right to refuse couples the chance to register.