Thanks for the reply. I actually looked at your webpage where you re-assembled your column, looks like you cut the actual lever arm off at the base and left the ring that's welded to the tube.
I thought I might be able to chisel the whole ring/lever thing off but the tube is too soft. I tried to do it gingerly but started to hack up the tube hence my question.
Time to break out the hacksaw... let's hope I can cut it straight!