City councillor's Lime role sparks conflict of interest questions over e-bike oversight

Questions have been raised over a City of London Corporation councillor's new role with Lime after he took up the position just weeks after a key committee approved a revised agreement with e-bike operators.

Common Councillor Shravan Joshi, a member of the Corporation's Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, updated his register of interests earlier this month to disclose a role as a board adviser to Lime.

The development has attracted scrutiny because the same committee plays a central role in overseeing arrangements between the Corporation and e-bike operators in the Square Mile.

In July, the sub-committee approved a revised memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering the operation of rental e-bikes in the City.

The updated agreement introduced new financial contributions, penalties for poor parking compliance and requirements around affordability and data sharing.

It also expanded the number of participating operators from two to three, with Voi joining Lime and Forest.

According to his register of interests, Cllr Joshi's new role began after the revised MoU was approved.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the position is more accurately described as helping Lime establish an advisory board for its London operations rather than serving on the company's formal board.

The advisory body would not have decision-making powers and would not form part of Lime's corporate board structure.

Cllr Joshi participated in discussion of the revised MoU at the July meeting, although he left before members took a final decision.

After he left, Planning and Transportation Chair Tom Sleigh relayed comments on his behalf, including Cllr Joshi's opposition to adding a third operator.

The revised agreement was nevertheless approved.

The role has prompted concerns among some observers due to the committee's oversight responsibilities.

One source said that Cllr Joshi should step down from relevant committees because of the perceived conflict.

However, no breach of the Corporation's code of conduct has been alleged.

Members are permitted to hold outside roles provided they declare relevant interests and recuse themselves where conflicts arise.

At a Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee meeting last week, Cllr Joshi declared an interest in an agenda item relating to income generated through the e-bike agreements.

Second Derivative, a City-based research consultancy specialising in Lime and parent company Neutron Holdings, also questioned the appointment.

The company said the timing of the role raised concerns about governance and public confidence.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) approached Lime seeking clarification on when discussions over the role began and whether Cllr Joshi is remunerated. The company did not respond and declined to provide a comment for publication.