Many former Labour supporters may decide on 4th May that the Conservatives, led now by a Hindu PM, are a better bet.
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.
During the Truss era, the role of Metro Mayors in finding locations for low-regulation investment zones could be significant.
It offers the opportunity to devolve powers directly to county and unitary authorities – rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all Metro Mayor model.
Council leaders can pass the buck and play political blame games when they should be taking action. We need proper accountability.
In the run up to the White Paper on Levelling Up, our interview with the former Chancellor opens this week’s ConHome series on localism.
Croydon is to join Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, and Tower Hamlets, in having this directly elected position.
Powers over transport and infrastructure will help us shape the places of the future. Devolved skills budgets will get the support young people need.
We need the flexibility and support, now common practice in the private sector, for more woman to come forward.
Tougher laws against fraud are welcome. But the police are failing to enforce election law as it stands.
We make it twelve net Conservative council gains, Labour up by three mayoralties…and one LibDem council gain.
We don’t help people when we do it for them; but by helping them to help themselves.
As the Mayor, I will keep taxes low, stop a congestion charge, support business and the police, and deliver the new Northern Forest.
The West of England was a narrow Conservative victory last time. It is likely to be closely fought again.
From the start, I have made it very clear that I am a Mayor for the whole region, not just ‘Greater Birmingham’.