Conservatives to announce London mayoral candidate
Voting has now closed for the Conservative candidate for London Mayor, and the highly anticipated result is expected to be announced on Friday morning (Look out for JBP's briefing tomorrow on the selected candidate).
The majority of commentators have placed Zac Goldsmith as frontrunner for the position; the MP for Richmond has a long standing record in London as passionate campaigner on environmental issues, and is perceived to be the only candidate who can keep the Capital blue.
Arguably, however the result will not be quite this straightforward. Syed Kamall received a boost to his campaign last week, securing the endorsement of right-wing think tank, Parliament Street. At a recent Conservative mayoral hustings, observers also noted a shaky performance from Goldsmith, in contrast to a polished and intelligent display from Kamall.
While Zac has gathered large swathes of public support, party members are unconvinced that he is the ‘proper Tory’ candidate in this election. He has a well-known reputation for frequently voting against his own party’s policies. Kamall, in contrast, is seen to be a party faithful; he is a strong advocate for European reform, free trade and open markets. He also has a remarkable ability to reach out to people across class and ethnic divides, and has a record for campaigning right across London. It is left to be seen whether this level of support will be enough for Kamall to triumph over the bookies favourite.
Farage blocks Suzanne Evan’s appointment
Last month The Spectator reported that UKIP leader Nigel Farage had been trying to block deputy chair Suzanne Evans from becoming the party’s candidate for the London mayoralty, and it seems his efforts have come to fruition.
UKIP has chosen Peter Whittle, the party’s culture spokesperson, ahead of the high profile and bookie’s favourite Suzanne Evans who was acting leader during Farage’s un-resignation. Whittle’s selection follows a change of electoral process inside UKIP; the one London member one vote system was scrapped in favour of a panel of six; at least three of which have been described as ‘Farage loyalists’.
The whole process hints at the rumoured infighting within the party’s ranks, though Whittle told the BBC he wasn’t chosen because of disagreements between Evans and Farage. Despite not being selected, Suzanne Evans will nevertheless stand for the London Assembly elections.
Peter Whittle will be standing against Labour’s Sadiq Khan, while the Conservatives are yet to select a candidate.
Sadiq Khan: I'd scrap Garden Bridge plan if elected London Mayor
Sadiq Khan, Labour’s London mayoral candidate, says he would scrap the Garden Bridge project if elected to City Hall. He argues that the proposed Thames crossing “no longer represents value for money”, as £60 million of public funding is required.
Khan’s decision came as Labour-run Lambeth Council put negotiations over the land required for the Bridge on hold. Lambeth leader Lib Peck said in a letter to the Mayor that she would reconsider the town hall's position if different options for funding the project from private sources were put forward.
The Council’s decision is a blow for the project's supporters, led by actress Joanna Lumley. Boris Johnson slammed the decision as "a shameful exercise in political posturing". However, he has “no doubt” the Bridge will be built, as planning consent has already been granted. Johnson went on to say that "the Garden Bridge will be an iconic addition to London's skyline and a driver of jobs and growth in the area”.
Khan says he would put the money towards transforming Oxford Street into a pedestrianised tree-lined boulevard instead. On the other hand, Conservative London mayoral candidate and Khan’s potential rival Zac Goldsmith has been supportive of the Bridge, suggesting the battle for its survival could continue for months.
London house prices 'to average £1 million by 2020'
If current property market trends continue, the average London home could reach £1 million by 2020. That is the prediction from property agent Rightmove, who’s latest House Price Index indicates that house prices in the capital hit an all-time high in September; jumping 2.2% or £13,177 to reach £620,003. The rebound in house prices since the summer lull has pushed annual price growth to 9.5%, with outer London currently outperforming inner London; with annual growth of 9.7% versus central London's 9.1%.
Rightmove said prices were shooting up as a "supply/demand imbalance continues along with London's international allure.” Miles Shipside, Rightmove director and housing market analyst said that “demand from those who can afford to buy remains high, and suitable supply remains tight, with the number of properties coming to market down 6 percent on the same period in 2014.” Shipside added that it is leading to “extremes in market forces” in some parts of the market.
The figures came days after Prime Minister David Cameron faced questioning from new Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn on the housing crisis. During a recent meeting of Bank of England officials, the buy-to-let property market was identified as a threat to wider financial stability in the UK.
JBP's Mayoral Watch
- Labour mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan promises to plant 2m trees in London if elected;
- Boris Johnson revealed that he withdrew London’s bid to host the Grand Depart of the 2017 Tour de France, claiming it didn’t represent value for money.