Due to his role in the Greater London Authority, he played an important part at the European Social Forum hosted by the GLA in London in 2004. This caused some controversy, as there was disruption at the anti-racist session of the Forum. His strong criticisms of the disruption were in turn condemned by a small number of hard left wing groups as stifling dissent. One journalist described how he was "intensely disliked" by a more senior political advisor in City Hall. During his time, he worked with Livingstone to host the Caribbean Showcase alternative carnival event at Hyde Park, drawing some opposition from carnival figures who felt he was trying to "take over" the event. During his time as a Policy Advisor, Jasper defended Sir Ian Blair in the aftermath of the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, as well as defending other officers. Funding investigation and resignation In late 2007, the London Evening Standard levelled a series of accusation at Lee Jasper of cronyism and corruption. Mayor Ken Livingstone suspended Jasper while investigations were subsequently carried out, but always maintained a belief in Jasper's innocence, stating: "I believe this investigation will exonerate Lee Jasper and show this to be a shameful campaign. As the interests of London are best served by putting an end to this malignant political charade I have concluded that a full police investigation is the most authoritative way to end this story once and for all." Although it was strongly recommended that improvements be made to the GLA's administrative procedures, Jasper was cleared of misconduct in January 2008 with the GLA asserting that: "The report has been issued today of the review of allegations of LDA corruption and collusion in improperly awarding funds made by the journalist Andrew Gilligan in the Evening Standard in a series of articles in December 2007. The report finds these to be unfounded. The charge of a 'tide of corruption' made by London Assembly member Richard Barnes in the Evening Standard on 13 December is therefore also false." Jasper resigned on 4 March 2008 after the Evening Standard published e-mails of an intimate nature, written by Jasper to a woman involved with organisations who had received Greater London Authority grants and with whom Jasper has not declared a relationship. An Authority spokesman said, "Lee Jasper has stated that in light of material published today that he has tendered his resignation".