The London Daily News

09 June, 2009 00:21 (GMT +00:00)

Critical moment for Boris

Editorial

Londoners have long memories. The fiasco that occurred when London was effectively shut down because of heavy snow in February, and now the allegations that Mayor Johnson may have blocked a deal with the RMT will damage the reputation of Mayor Johnson.

With only a year left for the Labour government, being optimistic of course, Boris Johnson is rumoured to be looking closely at a front bench return or even mount a challenge to David Cameron.

But with continual strife on London’s transport network and the increasingly austere economic conditions being played out across London, Mayor Johnson is now perceived to be aloof of events and not "hands on" enough.

Compare City Hall under Ken Livingstone there would not be an area of policy on transport he did not personally approve. Black cabbies in London at the end of June will vent their own anger at Mayor Johnson with more demonstrations and more potential embarrassment for City Hall over rickshaws and illegal mini-cabs.

Mayor Johnson must accept that now is the time to engage all his intellect and energy and meet with the trade unions and agree a long-term deal that will eradicate the potential for strike action on London’s Underground. Failing this we will see more strikes, which was not ruled out by Bob Crow of the RMT on BBC London.

Text Comments

Post a Text Comment

There are currently no Item comments.