Blog
Boris hits 100
4th August 2008
What impact has the Boris Johnson mayoralty had, and what does it say about the pros and cons of devolution?
To fully assess the impact of the office of London Mayor and the efficacy of the new governing structures for London (i.e. the rest of the Greater London Authority’s constituent parts) we are going to need the luxury of more time, and more incumbents, so that we can disentangle the effect of the office holders and the office itself. But in the short term we can conduct an audit of how successfully the early mayors have used their time on power.
There can be little doubt that London’s first directly elected Mayor, Ken Livingstone, had a net positive impact on the city he governed. Yes, ultimately, he was ejected in favour of his Conservative opponent in the last election, but the overwhelming sense at the May poll was that Ken had done a good job, but it was time for a change.
Today’s Times carries an audit of Johnson’s first three months at the helm of the nation’s capital.
‘He has banned alcohol on the Tube and announced additional uniformed officers on public transport to enhance safety. Hundreds of people have been arrested for knife-related offences.
Other policies include a Mayor’s Fund, formed from business donations, to help underprivileged communities, phasing out bendy buses, a skills exchange with New York, and “low-carbon zones” to cut emissions.
Mr Johnson expressed frustration at the slow pace for change at City Hall, citing his desire to get rid of bendy buses as an example.
“There are some things you seem to be able to achieve very fast. But you know those dreams you get, where you’ve got lead boots on, and you’re dreaming you’re running for the try line, and no matter how hard you try your feet just won’t seem to move? It can be a bit like that with some things that I want to do.”
Political strategists warn that, while policies have come thick and fast, they lack a common thread. They say that Mr Johnson’s vision for London is still unclear and that he must work over the next 100 days to instil clarity.
In particular, environmental lobbyists are concerned that Mr Johnson scrapped Ken Livingstone’s £25 gas-guzzler charge and is reviewing the western extension of the congestion charging zone.’
Read the twin articles here
Tony Travers, director of the Greater London Group at the LSE, who some have dubbed ‘Mr London’, writes:
‘Boris Johnson was lucky. His mayoral opponent, Ken Livingstone, painted such a nightmare picture of a Conservative victory at City Hall that Boris took office with few people expecting very much.
The Mayor of London’s first weeks will have been stressful. Replacing the ancien régime proved complicated: British government eschews US-style changes of administration, where a mayor or President takes two months to appoint their team. In this country, we are used to “sudden death” changeovers. The need to appoint his deputy mayors and advisers at double-quick speed led to two highly publicised glitches.
It has not been the chaotic disaster Labour was predicting. The Borisocracy is more of a Cabinet than Livingstone’s Stalinist caucus. It is jollier. But it remains to be seen if Boris can evolve a clear picture of what he wants to achieve for London and also if he can keep his team in line.’