I’ll give London’s businesses the support and freedom they need to thrive January 27, 2016 From tech startups to street markets, black cabs to global banks, London’s businesses are what make our city great. As mayor, I’ll make it my business to deliver for them. Last week I launched my Action Plan for Greater London: more homes, better transport, cleaner air and safer streets. These are issues that matter to [...]
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell: Labour will back Osborne’s fiscal charter September 26, 2015 Labour’s shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said that the party will support Osborne’s fiscal charter, reports the Guardian. The policy was proposed to ensure “budget responsibility” and ahead of the Labour conference opening on Sunday, McDonnell has pledged that the party will vote in favour of it. However, the newly elected shadow chancellor insists that [...]
Meet Peter Whittle, the Brexiteer bidding to win City Hall December 14, 2015 An openly gay arts enthusiast who has been a television producer, film critic and, most recently, director of the New Culture Forum think tank, Peter Whittle is often asked why he decided to become a Ukip politician. When he answers, Whittle usually has just two words: Nigel Farage. Speaking to City A.M. last week, Whittle says [...]
Thousands march in Manchester anti-austerity protests at Conservative party conference October 4, 2015 Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Manchester in an anti-austerity protest on the first day of the Conservative party conference which kicks off today. Around 80,000 people have joined the Take Back Manchester march through the city, according to local media reports and organisers. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is also [...]
Russian airstrikes mainly hitting Syrian civilians, says defence secretary Michael Fallon October 3, 2015 UK defence secretary Michael Fallon has accused Russia of protecting Syria's Assad regime by targeting airstrikes at civilians. He told The Sun that very few strikes by the country, which began its launches there earlier this week, were hitting Islamic State (IS) militants. We're analysing where the strikes are going every morning. The vast [...]
The Leap have flourished in pro-entrepreneur Britain December 16, 2015 THE year in politics has been nothing short of astonishing. Defying predictions, we now have a Conservative majority government and Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, and the gulf between the two main parties is widening faster than thought. Yet there has been one subject on which all parties have been agreed: that entrepreneurs are good [...]
We’ve reached peak Christmas jumper: How to predict 2016’s must-have fashion December 15, 2015 What would you buy Jeremy Corbyn for Christmas? Printable answers only, please. But somehow a Christmas jumper seems appropriate. First, it would match the 1980s-style shell suit he wore the other day. Second, he might like one featuring a portrait of Stalin and the slogan “Teacher, Leader, Friend”, a phrase in widespread use in the [...]
MPs’ expenses: Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham has claimed most out all MPs so far this financial year September 10, 2015 Somewhat fortunately for Andy Burnham, the Labour leadership vote is now closed. Why? Because so far in this financial year he has claimed more expenses than any other MP in Westminster. In total he claimed £18,122.65 since April, according to data released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. Read more: Can geography tell us if [...]
Tips for public speaking from political party conferences: Keep sentences short and – if offered an autocue – use it October 7, 2015 At least I don’t have to worry about [Cherie] running off with the bloke next door,” said Tony Blair in his valedictory speech at the 2006 Labour Party Conference. Combining humour with an honesty about his differences with Gordon Brown, the performance was heralded as one of the greatest in British politics, and received a [...]
Government tax credit cuts get the stamp of approval from MPs September 15, 2015 CHANCELLOR George Osborne’s proposals to cut tax credits have been approved by MPs, despite strong opposition from Labour and the SNP. In his emergency Summer Budget, Osborne announced plans to lower the earnings threshold above which tax credits are withdrawn, and said he would speed up the rate at which the benefit is lost as [...]