Ken Livingstone has come top in a league table of the most influential people in the public sector.

London's mayor was selected by the Guardian newspaper on Wednesday in a survey excluding government ministers.

Influence over policy, the delivery of services, an ability to change public services institutions, financial clout and political influence were all considered in the assessment.

"Livingstone has stamped his mark on local government. He beat Blair's man Frank Dobson to become Britain's first elected mayor - killing New Labour's passion for devolved government," argued Patrick Butler, editor of the Guardian society section.

After a series of high court battles over government plans for the part-privatisation of London Underground, Livingstone has recently been granted control of the system.

"His responsibility over planning decisions will transform the skyline of Europe's largest city. His audacious decision to impose strict 50 per cent social housing quotas on new residential developments, will ensure a steady supply of affordable housing in the capital, an approach other cities might heed," added Butler.

"Then there is the congestion charge. It would never work; it would mark Livingstone's political grave, said the critics.

"But it will be rolled out across the country, having redefined local authority power over transport."

Sir Ian Kennedy, the head of the new NHS Inspectorate, was put in second place, while James Strachan of the Audit Commission came third and Mail editor Paul Dacre fourth.

They were followed by Dave Prentis, general secretary of public sector trade union Unison.

The next three places are taken by Downing Street special advisers Andrew Adonis and Geoff Mulgan and Treasury economic adviser Ed Balls.