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Behind the spin, the leaflets and the extensive game of expectations management played by all parties, today’s local elections are a key moment for both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.
For the Prime Minister, they represent a first serious electoral test. Sunak stepped into the breach when the Conservatives — and the country — were in crisis in the aftermath of the disastrous mini-Budget during Liz Truss’s tenure. But it remains an open question as to whether he can drag his party to parity with Labour and put himself in position to win the next general election.
For Starmer, meanwhile, these elections offer an opportunity to try and demonstrate that he is a prime minister-in-waiting, and for Labour to claim it is heading for government. Indeed, the party has the chance to leap ahead of the Tories for the total number of councillors for the first time in two decades.
That is why, though there are no elections in our city, the outcome will be of great interest to Londoners. These results will shape not only control of local authorities, but the narrative in the run-up to the next general election. A contest in which the capital will have a major say.
Justice for Johanita
It was a truly shocking event for our city. Johanita Dogbey was reportedly on the phone to her grandmother who heard a “terrible scream” when she was killed in broad daylight near Brixton’s O2 Academy on Monday. She was 31 years old.
Ms Dogbey, who founded sickle cell disease charity the Odette Foundation, is believed to have been stabbed to death by a stranger just yards from her home. Her distraught family described her as “beautiful and kind-hearted”. The Metropolitan Police has said a 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
This appalling tragedy is the latest in a line of violent attacks against women in London, and will understandably leave a trail of grief and fear in Brixton and beyond. We hope the police investigation is completed as soon as possible, and that the devastated family can havejustice.
Royal fever returns
The eyes of the world will fall on London this weekend for the Coronation. There will be all the pomp and pageantry the British state is famous for, in addition to countless street parties up and down the country.
With estimates of an additional 30,000 foreign tourists arriving — equivalent to the population of Windsor — the capital is set for a bumper weekend, as locals and visitors alike come to savour the celebrations.
Almost exactly 70 years separates the coronations of Elizabeth II and Charles III. Much has changed in this nation in the intervening period. But the excitement and goodwill remains undiminished.