It seems that the Labour government's death throws are causing it to become even more cynical and underhand. Linking the release of a mass murderer to and oil deal and planning to smear the new head of the army (because his daughter works for David Cameron) are the two low points.
On home ground my friend and colleague Kit Malthouse caused a bit of a storm by claiming the he and Boris had their "hands on the tiller" when it came to policing, not the best choice of words. When people complain about the "politicization of the police" I wonder what alternative they have in mind? What would be the re-election prospects of a politician who said "crime levels have nothing to do with me, I leave all that kind of stuff to the police to sort out."
Policing is a public service and the structure, prioritization, funding, resourcing etc. have to be balanced by politicians who are held responsible when things go right or wrong. The relationship between the Mayoralty, the MPA and the Met is evolving and their will be some growing pains. The MPA is meant to hold the police to account, if we were best mates all the time it would show that we weren't doing our job properly.
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DC has shown some firm leadership in replacing Alan Duncan for his ill thought out comments. Perhaps it is time Boris replaced Kit Malthouse, as he seems to be cut from the same cloth.
I agree with your sentiments that politicians need to be involved in policing, although I would feel that it's in a partnership capacity, rather than the 'master and servant' capacity that Kit Malthouse extols.
Local control of policing was the problem that Robert Peel sought to address with his Metropolitan Police Act 1829. The Police need to be independent servants of the Crown, answerable only to the courts and the law of the land.
I know that this Labour government have politicised the police, but for the Conservatives to seek to do so as well is inviting disaster.
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Thanks
As Excalibur says, it's a debate that's nearly 200 years old and touches on complex issues of how best to get the balance right between accountability, objectivity, effectiveness and trust in our policing. No one has all the answers, but it's a shame that the debate in London is being so clumsily led by Malthouse and Cleverly, better known by all GLA staff as the 'Dumb and Dumber' of the 8th floor.
Emily,
As "all GLA staff" know my office isn't on the 8th floor.
Now who's the dumb one, Emily?!
Of course James's office isn't on the 8th floor, but as the Mayor's Ambassador for Youth that's where he spends much of his time, and as with many nicknames, its basis is figurative. And btw, it's not just the staff that use this affectionate term for Kit and James - I hear it's gaining currency among the other Mayoral advisors!
Oh dear Emily, Ken's thumping defeat really hurt didn't it? You lot are still so bitter! Get over it, the electorate have spoken. Ken and his corrupt gaggle have been consigned to history.
I thought that dumb and dumber led Bromley council, at least that is what Excalibur said (see under 'Your Say').
Clearly this is just a term of affliction (sorry, I meant affection) amongst Tory Party workers and supporters for their leaders. No wonder Boris is 'in charge'.
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