Strong mayors can revive democracy
Ten UK cities are holding referendums on whether to introduce executive mayors but localism hinges on policies rather than Thursday’s vote
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UK elections 2012
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The coalition partners have suffered a midterm drubbing at the hands of a disgruntled electorate in local elections that saw sweeping gains for Labour across England and Wales, with voters showing little enthusiasm for the PM’s plan for elected mayors in regional cities
Regional policy battered after local vote
The government needs Plan B for growth in the provinces after voters rejected its proposal for a ‘Boris in every city’ with substantial power
Livingstone leaves the political stage
Ken Livingstone, the great survivor of British politics, went down fighting against Boris Johnson and immediately declared the loss his last election
‘Red Ken’ fights last campaign
Skills as a top-down, technocratic manager were acknowledged as formidable even by enemies, and commitment to improving London unchallenged
Political penguin ruffles feathers
Lacklustre levels of voter participation and growing support for independent candidates and smaller parties suggest little enthusiasm for mainstream politicians
Coalition MPs reject calls to split up
Nick Clegg and David Cameron will appear together to ‘renew the coalition vows’ and restate their commitment to deficit reduction and repairing the economy
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Boris enters the outer limits
The votes that make the difference in mayoral elections are out in the distance, in the unfrequented pebbledash suburbs, writes Matthew Engel
Mayoral plebiscites herald new era, says PM
David Cameron is to suggest that Britain is ‘on the brink of an exciting democratic change’, as referendums are held in 10 cities on May 3
Johnson lays out pitch to stay on as mayor
Recent poll shows London’s mayor widening his lead over his Labour rival in a campaign marked by animosity as the capital prepares to vote on May 3
Making politics more transparent
Latest row between London candidates could mean it may be hard for anyone seeking high office not to disclose personal financial information
‘Battered base’ draws Miliband’s attention
The Labour leader is seeking to reach out to low-income voters who are being collectively “battered” by rising unemployment and benefit cuts
Making plans for London’s future
The worry is that May’s election will degenerate into a reprise of 2008’s knockabout politics of the ‘Boris v Ken’ show
Forget Boris v Ken – mayors can matter
The election of powerful figures across Britain would bring accountability to local politics and provide for strategic decision-making, writes Philip Stephens
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