MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

"As we come to the end of 2023 here’s a brief, personal review for this final edition of LDN."

A YEAR OF ELECTIONS

In 113 days, Londoners go to the polls to elect a Mayor and at some point, in the next twelve months, the country will choose a new Government.

PLAIN SAILING

"If we were to use festive film titles to describe the political landscape, then Rishi Sunak’s last ten days or so would definitely be The Nightmare Before Christmas."

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

"London was at its stunning best today in the cold December sunshine. Cycling in to the office early this morning afforded a glimpse of a majestic fiery orange sunrise."

FOREVER AUTUMN

"Today’s LDN comes to you as the dust has barely begun to settle on the Autumn Statement. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, ended up delivering a more detailed statement than perhaps many expected. Buoyed by slightly better financial circumstances than many predicted, the Government found themselves with more wriggle room than for many years."

GET ME DAVE

"Reshuffles are an intrinsic part of British politics. While Keir Starmer’s reshuffle back in September was done from a position of strength, Rishi Sunak’s changes to his top team this week come from a position of weakness – perhaps even out of desperation."

THE KING'S SPEECH - LESS TAKE OFF, MORE HOLDING PATTERN

The King’s Speech is the latest attempt by the Government to revive their flagging fortunes, and in this week’s LDN we unpack the list of legislative priorities for what is likely to be the final parliamentary session before the next General Election.

A ROYAL RELAUNCH

“It’s over 70 years since the last time a King officially opened the new parliamentary term. On that occasion, a new Conservative government had just been elected in a post war period still feeling the effects of the conflict."

WHAT LONDON STANDS FOR

“London’s diversity is one of the things that makes it such a special place. It is home to people and communities from every corner of the world, and the richness this brings is key to its global city status. It’s one of the factors which drew me to live here over twenty years ago."

ROLL UP! ROLL UP! FOR THE GREAT YIMBYs VERSUS NIMBYs CONTEST

“The news that Keir Starmer is an out-and-proud YIMBY feels like a moment. I’m not sure I can recall the leader of a political party being so categorical about their desire to push on with building homes and infrastructure, even if that means local opposition has to be faced down."

KEIR COMES THE SUN

“For the last few days at Labour’s conference in Liverpool, the only way to get decent mobile coverage was to stand next to the Mersey and wave your phone towards Birkenhead. Reportedly, over 18,000 passes were issued for the conference – a new record."