The localist idea that decisions should be taken as close to the people they affect as possible, has been undermined by the Mayor of London’s failings.
Sunak deserves more time to deliver on his pledges. In any case, the decision today is about choosing councillors with a practical, value for money, approach.
The changing global landscape should refocus our policy on the factors that are need to improve the investment outlook – such as sound macro polices and the level, predictability and simplicity of tax.
Empowering left-wing leaders is the price that one has to pay for the local experimentation that devolving power and funds entails.
I favour a unitary system – combining a suitable number of current districts and boroughs, handing down county council powers, with a combined authority led by a directly elected Mayor.
It would enhance democracy and local accountability, be better value for money for the taxpayer, and be more effective in reducing crime.
From renationalisation of the energy and train companies to a bonfire of environmental and employment regulations, taking back control from Brussels has opened a new range of possibilities that were previously off the menu.
Rather than a gimmicky new layer of Government it would have been better to adopt a more localist approach of handing powers to existing local authorities.
The claim that nothing has been achieved springs from the same lack of seriousness — and is simply untrue.
The Prime Minister must make up his mind whether or not to see through a policy to stop the small boats – now an issue of profound symbolic importance.
The Government already has an oven-ready blueprint for the reform of our fire and rescue service. Now is the time to implement it in full and without delay.
While I do not doubt the sincerity of the Mayor’s efforts to tackle air pollution, he is simply unable to protect the health of each and every school child of whom there are more than 25,000 in Hillingdon alone.
Local people know their area and community better than anyone in Whitehall, and should show initiative to support the vulnerable.
During the Truss era, the role of Metro Mayors in finding locations for low-regulation investment zones could be significant.
There’s no better time to look beyond arguments about regional funding allocations to re-address how neighbourhood-level communities that have been historically overlooked do not go unnoticed anymore.