Brian Coleman’s successor on the London Fire Authority has been forced to apologise for “libellous” comments he made about Barnet assembly member Andrew Dismore.

James Cleverly made the remarks in an online blog last month following criticisms from the Labour assembly member over the authority’s decision to close 17 of the capital’s fire stations.

Former Hendon MP Mr Dismore asked the Conservative chairman to apologise and, when he refused, threatened the Bexley and Bromley representative with legal action.

Mr Cleverly replaced controversial politician and Barnet councillor Brian Coleman as head of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority in May.

Councillor Coleman, who was recently suspended from the Tory party over assault allegations, was stripped of the role after he lost his seat on the GLA to Mr Dismore.

Mr Cleverly, who also sits on the London mayor’s police and crime committee, has since removed the post and apologised at City Hall and today he posted a further statement of apology on his website.

It said: “Last month I wrote a blog post about potential fire station closures in London. In addition to my take on the issue I was very critical of fellow Assembly Member Andrew Dismore.

“Whilst robust exchanges and disagreements between politicians are acceptable, important even, it is our duty to ensure we do not let those move from the political to the personal.

“Andrew drew to my attention points in the post which he felt were untrue and unfair and, having re-read what I wrote and having had time to reflect, I accept that I overstepped the line.

“I publicly apologised to Andrew at the assembly meeting on the 14th of November and I’m happy to say that he accepted my apology. I’ve also taken down the post.

“I’m putting this apology here as I feel it only right to also apologise on the same medium as the original criticism.”

Mr Dismore said he felt Mr Cleverly’s “libellous” comments had “crossed the line beyond robust political debate”.

He said: “I was surprised at the fact he didn’t apologise when I brought it to his attention. I threatened him with legal action – and that is not something I would do lightly.

“His comments were clearly way beyond the pale, but if someone apologises to me, I accept it, and that is the end of it.”