The biggest news of the last few days has been the London Mayoral Election. Constituents are extremely disappointed with the result, not least because it is clear that Mayor Khan does not work for them. We can see that plainly reflected in the voting locally, as both Ealing & Hillingdon and Brent & Harrow supported Conservative candidate Susan Hall. That trend was repeated in other outer London areas such as Havering & Redbridge, Croydon & Sutton and Bexley & Bromley, where the support was unquestionably in favour of a candidate who would not put the needs of the suburbs secondary to those of inner London.
While this signals a continued rejection of the ULEZ expansion, crime is also another significant factor. I recently published an online survey on local crime, and it was clear from the responses that residents do not feel that City Hall, under the current Mayor, gives enough priority to policing in the suburbs, nor understands what those priorities are. It was also heavily indicated that residents are not at all satisfied with the Mayor’s tackling of knife crime, or supportive of his policies for further police station closures across the capital. I hope Conservative GLA members will continue to hold the Mayor to account throughout his third term.
In more positive news, I am thrilled to have completed my second London Marathon. It was a huge honour to run in support of the Alzheimer’s Society, and I am delighted to have raised a total of £2,583 to contribute towards the charity's vital work. Previous research has led to some really encouraging clinical trial results for two types of drugs - Lecanemab and Donanemab - the first of their kind to demonstrate a reduction in the rate of decline in people's memory and thinking.
Thanks to the generosity of donations, the money raised will allow the Alzheimer's Society to continue to fund further research and provide hope to residents and their loved ones who have been impacted by this heart-breaking disease. Thank you once again.
My regular surgeries are continuing, and appointments can be made by contacting me via [email protected] or 0203 545 2462. You can also use this contact information to sign up to my monthly newsletter, or by visiting my website.
First published: My Local News, May 2024
