Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes said he wanted a new generation of design gurus to take Rogers' place.
Speaking at "The Shape of London", a debate between the candidates organised by the Architecture Foundation, Hughes said: "I wouldn't keep a single person as the adviser – I think that's very exclusive. You want a group of people with ideas – there are plenty of architects from abroad, such as Herzog & de Meuron who designed the Tate Modern and the Laban Centre."
Conservative candidate Steven Norris said he would downsize the Architectural and Urbanism Unit, which Rogers chairs. He said: "I'm slightly worried about the idea of a mayor becoming the sole style arbiter for the city. A unit that attempts to dictate style wouldn't necessarily be part of my vision."
Mayor Ken Livingstone remained bullish about Lord Rogers' role on the AUU. He said: "I would retain Richard Rogers, whom I regard as a good radicalising influence both on the planning staff at the Greater London Authority and on boroughs and other developers."
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