What Paul doesn’t realise is that local elections are usually a reaction to the incumbent national government. It’s what Ealing Labour canvassed on in the last two elections. Very little on policy or achievements but a lot on teaching Boris a lesson in 2022.Khan had the same benefit, along with a very compliant media that simply doesn’t scrutinise his record, the BBC particularly culpable. ITV London does at least make some effort to report the goings-on at City Hall and it’s often embarrassing for a Mayor who refuses to answer simple questions, evades and then blames others, finally resorting to personal attacks on those questioning him. His deputies are equally clueless.It will be harder for Labour now because the local lot can’t just blame nasty Westminster. Notice how Khan has gone quiet about TfL funding, when he was demanding a billion a year from the Tories to keep it running. He took a lot less than that from Reeves and was told to increase fares while he was at it. Not a peep of protest from him about that.
Simon Hayes ● 45d