LOCAL DEMOCRACY

The Uber decision could hit Labour's 2018 London borough election hopes

TfL's decision not to renew Uber's licence, backed by the capital's Labour mayor, could have an impact on the London borough elections next year, argues Michael Burton.

Until last Friday, the London borough elections next year looked like a walkover for Labour. Even Wandsworth, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster were deemed as realistic targets. Then came the Transport for London's verdict not to renew Uber's licence last week backed by London Labour mayor Sadiq Khan.

By Monday, the petition calling for the decision to be overturned had 700,000 signatures. Most of them are probably from people under 30, the main users of Uber taxis. As it happens, this age group is precisely the one which helped Jeremy Corbyn shred Theresa May's majority in the General Election. Right now, 700,000 young Londoners are pretty cross with Mr Khan. He may not be up for re-election next May but you can be certain – as is already happening – that Conservatives will make sure Labour takes the rap for trying to drive Uber off the streets. Suddenly a Labour landslide in London looks less likely than it did a week ago.

Michael Burton

Popular articles by Michael Burton

SUBSCRIBE TO CONTINUE READING

Get unlimited access to The MJ with a subscription, plus a weekly copy of The MJ magazine sent directly to you door and inbox.

Subscribe

Full website content includes additional, exclusive commentary and analysis on the issues affecting local government.

Login

Already a subscriber?