Sign in Subscribe
Mayors

London's Mayor Accuses Chancellor of "Levelling Down" the City

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Sir Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, has launched a scathing attack on Rachel Reeves, the UK's Chancellor, over her spending review, accusing her of "levelling down" the capital. The Mayor has been pushing for billions of pounds in funding for infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Bakerloo line and the Docklands Light Railway, but these demands are unlikely to be met. A source close to the Mayor has stated that despite the Chancellor's spending review, the Mayor will continue to "battle" for funding, emphasizing the importance of investment in London for national growth and prosperity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has accused the UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, of "levelling down" the city, citing her spending review as not meeting his demands for infrastructure funding.
  • The Mayor's demands include billions of pounds for the extension of the Bakerloo line and the Docklands Light Railway, as well as millions extra for the Metropolitan Police.
  • A source close to the Mayor stated that he will continue to "battle" for funding despite the Chancellor's spending review, emphasizing the importance of investment in London for national growth and prosperity.
  • The Mayor highlighted the need to avoid returning to the "damaging, anti-London approach" of the previous government, which would harm London's public services, jobs, and growth.
  • Parts of London still experience high levels of poverty, and the Mayor has emphasized the need to address this through investment and growth.
  • Rachel Reeves has already allocated £15 billion for transport infrastructure outside of London and the south-east, as part of a rebalancing of government priorities.

Statistics:

  • £1,183 per person was spent by the government on London in the decade to 2022/23.
  • The north of England received £486 per person and the Midlands £455 per person.
  • If the north of England had received the same per person spending as London in the past decade, it would have received £140 billion more.
  • This is enough to build seven Elizabeth lines.
  • Over the year since the government came to power, Rachel Reeves has:

+ Come out in favour of a third runway at Heathrow.

+ Expansions of Gatwick, Luton, and City airports.

+ Given approval to the pedestrianization of Oxford Street.

+ Allocated money for HS2 to run to London Euston.

+ Provided money for free school meals.

Sources:

  • [1] The Daily Telegraph
  • [2] Times of London
  • [3] The Independent
  • [4] Research from IPPR North (date not specified)
  • [5] Statement from Sir Sadiq Khan's office (date not specified)

Read more