The elements that came together to see a Conservative elected Mayor in 2008 – a national mood turning against Labour, a near-celebrity candidate in the as-yet-untarnished form of Boris Johnson, and a radical and increasingly unpopular incumbent – are not currently at hand.
Let the protesters gather in one place, have their event, and disperse. No march. I’m reluctant to believe that the Met can’t police a rally properly if it puts its mind to it.
One of the biggest myths propagated by public sector unions is that it’s cheaper to employ a council officer – complete with a gold-plated final salary pension and a hugely generous set of terms and conditions – than a fixed-term interim on a higher annual salary.
Sir Keir’s choice is between not sacking front bench dissenters, so inviting claims of weakness, and doing so – thus provoking accusations of over-reacting.
Doing so will be immensely difficult and will involve fighting in densely populated urban areas, creating enormous risks for both the Israel Defence Forces forces and Gazan civilians.
I’m a fan of gentle density; mid-rise development which is beautiful, human scale, and relatively dense. Reminiscent of Paris, Florence, or sought-after London quarters such as Belgravia and Pimlico.
With further cycle schemes now being planned, it is vital that the views of local people are heard. It’s too easy for their voices to be drowned out by those living elsewhere.
“I know she is passionate about London and about all Londoners, as are we.”
Most women are not Jeremy Clarkson-style petrolheads; their cars take them to work, their children to school, and their elderly to the health centre.
If Sunak stands up at the Conservative Conference in four weeks’ time with nothing better to offer than some anti-ULEZ tub-thumping, he might as well hand over the keys to Downing Street to Starmer now.
When challenged, the Mayor resorts the tactics of an authoritarian bully, publicly accusing his opponents of being in coalition with the “far-right” as his office chides scientists who publish unhelpful facts.
I’m not convinced that knowing the Government could intervene, and didn’t, will endear the Conservative Party to voters.
The fact remains that the broad thrust of climate policy enjoys strong support from voters. YouGov polling shows that ULEZ is a rare example of an unpopular environmental measure.
To date, the Parliamentary Party has been divided between a small number of committed critics, a larger one of enthuasiasts, and a larger one looking to see which side triumphs.
If you want people to feel motivated to go out and vote Conservative, delivering some Conservative policies would be a good start.