The next Mayor has to stop running cap-in-hand to Government for transport funding. The only way to escape is to cut costs at Transport for London and find new sources of income.
We also need to be a safer city. It is a scandal that London’s roads are the least safe of any major European city, with Transport for London buses involved in 24,000 collisions each year.
The City of London is the world’s leading hub for green finance – a Conservative offer for London must harness its resources to drive an affordable green transformation of this great city.
The Conservative platform must promise the core Conservative voter a return to competent government, and promise the progressive voter, strategic future-looking policy innovation.
Gove is right to look to the 1980s for lessons. But the danger is that he is learning the wrong ones.
In Labour-run Hackney, al fresco dining and drinking is banned after 10pm. In Labour-run Westminster, al fresco dining and drinking remains banned in Soho.
The claim that nothing has been achieved springs from the same lack of seriousness — and is simply untrue.
Hammersmith Bridge has now been shut to cars for three and a half years. While money goes on gold-plated pensions, trade union facility time, and TfL’s nominee passes perk.
London needs at least 66,000 new homes a year, whilst the current mayor’s plan only sets a target of 52,000 – a target he is failing to meet.
The Government’s Rent a Room Scheme enables households to earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in their homes. The threshold is too low for London.
Despite the mess the incumbent has made of it, having the chance to govern the greatest city in the World is an immense privilege and hugely worthwhile.
The Conservatives need a voice that is strong on our core principles of tackling crime and eliminating waste, but is also positive about building new homes and inspiring social cohesion.
The police are struggling with their old van-based and the patchy local council-provided CCTV coverage. The Notting Hill Carnival was a reminder of the challenges they face.
Census data may reveal once again that the UK has an ageing population, but in some ‘true blue’ Conservative seats, voters are only getting younger.