Sadiq Khan and a Tory London Assembly member have clashed over the £1.5 million spent on the capital's New Year's Eve fireworks, whilst the display has drawn criticism over its political nature.

Conservative Cllr Tony Devenish called the pyrotechnic and light display "pathetic" during a London Assembly budget and performance committee meeting on Tuesday.

The London Mayor responded by accusing Mr Devenish of "embarrassing flip-flopping" after the councillor previously called the cancellation of fireworks a "hammer blow."

The £1.5 million New Year's Eve display saw a number of light projections fill the sky over the O2 Arena, with one showing the NHS logo in a heart while a child's voice said: "Thank you NHS heroes."

Images were also projected of some of the heroes of 2020, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised £33 million by walking in his backyard.

But the mayor was accused of politicising the celebrations after European Union colours and references to the Black Lives Matters movement were used.

The BBC reportedly received over 500 complaints about the BLM movement's inclusion.

The capital was of course forced to watch the celebrations from their own homes after London spent the Christmas period in Tier 4.

And Sadiq Khan said he was "proud the eyes of the world" saw London's display paying tribute to the NHS and reflecting on the defining moments of this year "and showed why our city is the greatest in the world."

But in the heated London Assembly exchange, Cllr Devenish asked Mr Khan "why you thought it was a good idea to spend £1.5 million on New Year's Eve on a pathetic firework party?"

Responding, the mayor of London said: "I'm surprised by that question because the same member said it was a 'hammer blow' when I announce the public fireworks were going to be cancelled."

"He's gone from it being a 'hammer blow' back then when I announced I was cancelling them to now saying it's a waste of money.

"I wish he'd make up his mind what it is."

Cllr Devenish retorted: "Well, Mr Mayor you know far more about flip-flopping than me.

The Conservative also cited a letter to the committe about how the capital should be maximising resources during lockdown.

He added: "Is it maximising resources by spending £1.5 million on saying 'You're on mute' as a fireworks symbol?"

"Is it maximising resources by spending £1.5 million on saying 'You're on mute' as a fireworks symbol."