Dr Lee Rotherham, the abolitionist candidate, has revealed that he is on the reserve list for the next stage of selection. We know at least one other, Simon Fawthrop, is also on the reserve list but not which one has the first slot. The interview stage was supposed to involve "about ten" candidates but only six have gone through, the chances of the reservists being needed depend on someone pulling out to endorse a frontrunner.
One of the shortlisted candidates has told us that they see their role purely as promoting their policy ideas now that Boris Johnson is in the running, but Rotherham's candidacy has always been about the policies rather than the candidate.
Even at this stage he has today published a detailed paper on policing. A serious policy wonk himself, his five thousand words on the issue based on discussions with serving police officers are not to be sniffed at. Highlights include:
- Strict enforcement of Penalty Notices for Disorder
- Possibly shifting focus completely from soft drugs to hard drugs
- Ways of getting street policing to happen
- Allowing much more discretion over needless paperwork
- Role for grassroots police reps in mayor's activities
- Giving Brian Haw a peerage whilst restricting use of Parliament Square to standing-only protests
- Having a Washington DC style annual celebration of police bravery and commitment
Deputy Editor
Lee is too good to be a reservist. His cutting edge ideas would light up the primary debates.
Posted by: TaxCutter | July 18, 2007 at 13:04
Depends on what you call 'soft' drugs: if restricted to cover Class 'C' only, then fair enough.
The phrase is one which ought not to be used, in reality, it being as weaselly as the BBC's routine description of cocaine as a 'recreational drug'.
Posted by: The Huntsman | July 18, 2007 at 13:04
Would the shortlisted candidate who is there purely to promote their policy ideas, please withdraw for someone with something to say? Lee's platform is a truly local one which is reaching out to grassroots professionals and activists. There is much to recommend in Lee's document. I hope that other candidates are not shy to pinch his ideas where possible.
Posted by: Praguetory | July 18, 2007 at 17:07
"Giving Brian Haw a peerage "
What? Does the London Mayor have *any* powers in this area?
Posted by: Comstock | July 18, 2007 at 17:56
Interesting ideas on policing, not sure about the policy on soft drugs...hmm.
But what the heck is this about giving Brian Haw a peerage? Huh? Where did that come from?
Posted by: Ash Faulkner | July 18, 2007 at 20:56
The peerage for Brian Haw is a ridiculous idea. Has Lee ever spoken to him? He's bordering on the crazy.
Posted by: Umbrella man | July 18, 2007 at 21:13
"My own personal opinion, as it happens, is that Brian Haw deserves a peerage. I don’t agree with his viewpoint, but he would prove a better choice of "People’s Peer" that the other so-called ones (notwithstanding the minor fact that the concept was originally a broadsheet’s April Fool joke a decade ago)."
Posted by: Original Quote | July 19, 2007 at 12:15
People in the world take the loan in various banks, because it's comfortable and fast.
Posted by: Bean25Sonya | December 31, 2011 at 16:14