Journalists who report on London’s local politics have launched their own organisation inspired by the Westminster lobby.

Reporters covering the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority have announced the formation of City Hall Journalists, which aims to help shine a light on the capital’s devolved politics.

Founding members include journalists working for the BBC, ITV, London’s Evening Standard, MyLondon, London World, Social Spider and Bauer Media.

The group, believed to be the first of its kind, has won the backing of the News Media Association, Society of Editors, National Union of Journalists and also those under scrutiny.

Founder members of the City Hall Lobby – from left, Callum Marius, Joe Talora, Jessica Frank-Keyes, Josiah Mortimer, James Cracknell.

Its formation comes shortly after City Hall moved from Southwark to East London building The Crystal, with its founders also noting concern about the recent controversy over the exclusion of local democracy reporters from the Mayor of Bristol’s regular press conferences.

In Bristol, titles covering the city have united to boycott the briefings in protest at the LDRs’ treatment.

CHJ founder Josiah Mortimer, who is City Hall editor at MyLondon, told HTFP: “Coverage of City Hall is so vital for Londoners and the devolution agenda nationally.

“The Mayor and GLA as a whole have a £19bn budget with huge powers over policing, the fire brigade, transport and more.

“There aren’t a lot of us covering City Hall, so it’s great to be working together to speak with a louder voice, improve transparency and build the profile of GLA reporting.

“It’s great to get this network off the ground and continue to shine a light on London’s fascinating local politics.”

Josiah, pictured, was previously editor of left-wing political news and comment site Left Foot Forward before joining MyLondon last year.

He added: “I saw how helpful the Press Gallery was as a supportive network when I was there – hopefully we can bring some of the best of that to The Crystal.”

NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “Journalism has a fundamental role to play in holding power to account and scrutiny of town halls, who have responsibility over vast sums of public money, is absolutely essential.

“I am pleased that this new group has been formed, bringing together key players from across the sector, and believe it will strengthen and enhance public access to information about the Greater London Authority.”

Dawn Alford, executive director of the SoE, added: “The Society welcomes this initiative which it hopes will enable journalists covering City Hall to further enhance the vital work that they do scrutinising the workings of the Greater London Authority on behalf of the public.”

And the NUJ said in a statement: “The City Hall lobby and its aims to improve engagement between the GLA and journalists is welcomed by the NUJ.

“Increased transparency in decision making and access to improved resources, allowing journalists to undertake reporting efficiently must be prioritised, to support quality journalism.”

The bodies scrutinised by the group’s members have also welcomed its formation.

Mr Khan said: “The Parliamentary lobby is renowned across the world for providing an insight into our country’s Government so I’m delighted that a City Hall lobby is being created to bring together the talented journalists that report on City Hall every day.

“I look forward to engaging even more regularly with its members about the work I am doing to build a better London for everyone.”

Dr Onkar Sahota, chair of the London Assembly, which scrutinises the Mayor and GLA, added: “The London Assembly is a scrutiny body, so we support scrutiny in all its forms.

“The City Hall lobby is an excellent creation, which can only enhance the knowledge Londoners have of the role City Hall plays in their lives.

“The small number of journalists who report on the Mayor of London, the London Assembly and the Greater London Authority are a dedicated and talented group.

“We look forward to supporting them in their quest for transparency.”