ConservativeHome's London Mayor blog

Warwick Lightfoot: 'Naive' Boris has the wrong policy on Livingstone's too costly PFI schemes

Warwick Lightfoot is a candidate in the London Primary to select the Conservative Candidate for Mayor of London. He is an economist and was Special Adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1989-92.  He believes that Londoners have been "fleeced" by the PFI schemes and calls for London to receive a fairer share of national revenues so that it can afford direct investment in new infrastructure for London.

The Conservative Mayoral Primary and its hustings have shown the Greater London Conservative Party in a good light. We have shown that we are open to debate and argument and we know that as a party we have to address the concerns of everyone living in Greater London. Common themes have emerged about tackling crime, improving transport and getting greater value for money from the £10.7 billion spent through the Mayor of London’s budgets.

Clear blue water has also emerged in the hustings between Boris Johnson and me about how to finance the transport and other investment that Greater London needs. In my judgement the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and the PPP arrangements that Gordon Brown used for the modernisation of the London Underground do not work. The private sector cannot take on the risks of such investment at a reasonable cost. Whereas the government can borrow and finance awkward risks more cheaply through the gilt market. Gordon Brown would never have allowed Scotland to be treated in the way that London has been treated in relation to the modernisation of the Tube.

In the long-run PFI increases the costs of investment. Taxpayers get fleeced and shareholders coin money. Our debate should be about getting London access to the taxes that it already pays, and not loading Greater London with higher borrowing bills that have to be paid for one way or another. London's investment is justified in economic and social terms. London generates the taxes needed to pay for this investment, but national governments have refused to give London its own money to pay for the investment it needs.

Boris Johnson offered the platitude that we should approach PFI in a non-ideological way and expressed the naïve hope that it could offer incentives for efficiency in investment. He also expressed concern that without the private finance initiative the taxpayer would have to finance London’s investment. There is nothing ideological about the present debate on PFI. It is a practical matter of the relative cost to the taxpayer in the long-run. The only ideologues on the issue are national politicians, like Gordon Brown, who construct convoluted financial rules that ensure that investment can only be carried out through PFI off-balance sheet schemes.

The Standard sends mixed messages to Boris' rivals

The Evening Standard is very critical of Boff, Borwick and Lightfoot in its leader today:

"It sounded like a good idea at the time: the Tory plans for an open, democratic, X-factor-style mayoral contest to determine who would run against Ken Livingstone. In fact, this exciting approach delivered a line-up of candidates who, whatever their personal merits, are woefully unimpressive as heavyweight politicians. It must be painful for the Tories to consider how quickly Ken Livingstone would have seen off any of the original candidates - Warwick Lightfoot, Victoria Borwick or Andrew Boff - had Boris Johnson not rescued the party at the 11th hour by stepping into the ring. It remains to be seen whether Boris can indeed pull off this election but the Tories mst be thankful that in the mayoral primaries at least, it's no contest."

But in introducing a Q&A with the three of them further on in the paper, City Hall Editor Ross Lydall says:

"The performances of Andrew Boff, Victoria Borwick and Warwick Lightfoot at hustings meetings have surprised many and left Tories with a real choice. All have long experience of London politics, in contrast to Mr Johnson, who despite his higher profile has been criticised for getting his facts wrong on subjects such as cyclist fatalities."

They were asked where they lived, if they'd taken cannabis, what the last CD they bought was etc. These were the most political questions:

What will be your first priority if elected Mayor?

AB - Remodelling the government of London to make it much more democratic. Ken Livingstone is an overcentralising Mayor

VB - I would ask the Met Commissioner what we are going to do about crime hot spots.

WL - Start with a zero-based budget to get value for moeny at City Hall and commission a plan for the investment in transport and flood defences for the next 40yrs.

What are your Tory credentials?

AB - I joined the party in Uxbridge  when I was 15. I was a councillor from 1982 to 1994, leader of Hillingdon council from 1990 to 1992 and Parliamentary candidate for Hornsey in 1992. I have been the Euro candidate in Greenwich, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham and I took a seat from Labour in Hackney in 2005.

VB - I joined in the Seventies. I have been a Kensignton & Chelsea councillor for six years. I worked at Central Office and was Steve Norris's running mate in 2000.

WL -  I joined when I was 15 or 16. I have been a Kensington & Chelsea councillor since 1986. I stood for Parliament in Liverpool Mossley Hill and South East Cornwall. I was special adviser to three Chancellors: Nigel Lawson, John Major and Norman Lamont.

What is your unique selling point?

AB - I can present Tory plans and policies in language that Londoners can understand.

VB - I'm a Londoner with very clear ideas about what needs to be done.

WL - I have the experience, expertise and skills to deliver an agenda of public service reform based on value for money.

Samuel Coates: The first Mayoral hustings

Last night was the first and most central hustings for the Conservative nomination. Chaired by former London Assembly leader Bob Neill MP, the candidates each started with a five minute speech:

Victoria Borwick told "the tale of two cities", not Dickens' comparison between London and Paris but a modern comparison between the crime rates of London and New York. Drawing on several statistics she explained that there had been an inverse correlation in recent years between the increasing rates of murder, rape and robbery in London and decreasing rates in New York. She said political correctness can cost lives and called for similar zero tolerance policing as that pioneered in the New York. This was a very polished performance with strong, clear tones and hand gestures.

Warwick Lightfoot started by saying that it was reform of the public services that was his main aim. He promised to cut any budget that the mayor had direct control over. Making much of his previous work as a senior SpAd at the Treasury and Department of Employment and his current work with social services as a councillor, he cited some surprising statistics about the level of unemployment in London compared to other parts of the country. He finished his assured speech by saying a fresh face was needed, without any baggage.

Andrew Boff sounded more like a "typical Londoner" than the others and had a rougher but engaging speaking style.  His main theme was of giving power to the people, "the Tory party is about liberation or it is about nothing", principally through a mechanism that allows large petitions to trigger city-wide referendums. Not many people would criticise the principle of that but he spent some time criticising those who would by pointing to examples of direct democracy abroad. After virtually shouting his pledge to scrap the congestion charge, he calmly finished by urging the audience to visit the buzzing community that is Broadway Market.

Boris Johnson began in his usual self-deprecating manner by saying that he was very pleased to be in Lambeth as it was one of the few parts of the country that he had not offended. He referred to "some sensible policies" from "his revered colleagues" who had spoken before him but barely went into any of his own in what was largely a five minute diagnosis of London's problems. He pledged to get rid of the bendy buses that wipe out cyclists and whilst admitting its relative triviality spoke for a bit too long about bike theft. Overrunning his time a little he spoke of a London grounded in "basic, old-fashioned, common-sensical values" with an internationalist flavour.  The theme of citizens standing up to anti-social behaviour didn't get a mention this time. Having a larger number of active supporters helped him get the occasional applause when he was at his best, i.e. being flamboyant with language or cracking a joke.

It was good to see the candidates talking to Londoners as much as to hardcore Tories (partly because the media were in attendance and non-members can vote in the open primary), a lot of the answers focused on helping those on the bottom rung and the issues that concern normal Londoners day to day. The Olympics was only mentioned once and only in passing, however.  As one of the biggest issues in London it must surely merit a discussion at the the next hustings.

The differences between their policy platforms are largely in emphasis rather than substance, there weren't any real disagreements at all so the Q&A was just a race to get the key points in first.  It would have been more interesting if someone like Lee Rotherham was in the mix to shake up the debate a bit.

All in all, I'd say the candidates were more or less on a par with each other. Boff and Borwick exceeded the expectations of some with solid, engaging performances. Lightfoot clearly demonstrated his knowledge and competency but I think lacks the necessary charisma. Johnson's performance was sub-potential, he needs to up his game. He looked a bit too disinterested at times and shied away from policy detail... but they're both things he can remedy.

Noon update: My scribbled notes of each candidates' main points in the Q&A have been added below, feel free to add any I might have missed in the comments...

Warwick Lightfoot's manifesto offers comprehensive programme for improving London

ConservativeHome has been given an advance look at Warwick Lightfoot's manifesto for London.  At the heart of the manifesto is a commitment to tackle crime but its comprehensive and thoughtful content is its overall hallmark.  Mr Lightfoot promises:

"A review of the operation of the Police Act and fundamental improvements in the management of the Metropolitan Police Authority. A root and branch improvement in the management of London Underground and a radical reassessment of the framework of legislation relating to strikes in essential services."

Specific pledges include:

• Community policing: Action to ensure successful police officers have real career and promotion opportunities by remaining in one place for a much longer period of time.
• Industrial relations: A review of the framework of law governing employee relations and strikes in essential public services.
• Congestion charge: Will end the congestion charge if contractually possible: "I reject road pricing, because of its consequences for low-income families and the scope that it offers for back door taxation dressed up as a green measure."
• Buses: We need conductors on buses. We need better-trained drivers who drive more safely and with consideration for their passengers. And there needs to be proper ventilation on buses.
• Cycling: A clampdown on pavement cyclists and coordination of cycleways across London's boroughs.
• Transport for London:  Face-to-face meetings between passengers and TfL executives through the creation of a forum for customers.
• Infrastructure: Campaign for more rail infrastructure and modernisation of the Thames flood barrier.
• Planning reform: Work with central government to empower local communities to defend diverse shopping centres.
• Tall buildings: There must be no return to planning policies that favour commercial skyscrapers or high-rise social housing.
• Housing for Londoners: New housing has to be built with an eye for attractive streets, garden squares, local grassed play areas that are safe and plenty of trees.  New housing should incorporate proper waste storage and separation facilities.  The current's Mayor's centralised housing strategy will be replaced with support for more homes in mixed communities.
• A greener London: More trees - including “Olympic Avenues” to rival the green corridors of roads like the Thames Embankment - will be planted to make London cleaner, greener and cooler.  On the basis of the precautionary principle, London must play its full part in combating climate change by cutting unnecessary transport emissions, improving domestic energy efficiency and supporting carbon trading.  Wider use of photovoltaics and improved insulation in homes will be encouraged.  A Mayor's Award Scheme will be launched to recognise companies that work with local communities to tackle graffiti.
• A new budget for London: All spending - not just increments - to be reviewed via the drawing up of a zero-based budget.
• A prosperous London: The Mayor must work hard to promote London to the world and protect light touch regulation of its financial sector.  There needs to be more investment in skills.
• A democratic London: The Boroughs will come together regularly to meet the Mayor within an advisory senate.
• Fairness for London: Fight for London to get a better share of Britain's resources; partly by highlighting London's very real social problems.

Download a pdf of Warwick Lightfoot's full manifesto.

Click here to visit Warwick's website.

Editor's comment: "Warwick may not win the primary election process - the hustings for which begin on Monday - but this manifesto contains many useful ideas for improving London.  His is a thoughtful and comprehensive manifesto.  Warwick emerges from this process with his reputation enhanced and as a serious figure within the London Conservative Party.  His idea for a zero budget may scare some interest groups but it is a recognition that there is little strategic wisdom within Ken Livingstone's topsy-turvy budgetary process.  Much more also needs to be made of his campaign for London to get a fairer deal from the national taxpayer.  Many Londoners are very poor and London is a very expensive city.  London's subsidy for the rest of the UK is too great.  Our capital city needs a Mayor who will campaign for a fairer revenue sharing settlement."

Lightfoot's take on tube problems

Warwick Lightfoot has just released a press release on the tube strikes:

"London needs a better managed Underground free from the threat of sudden strikes that inconvenience the public. This will require a review of present laws relating to strikes in essential public services", Conservative Mayoral finalist Warwick Lightfoot said today.

"London’s public transport service needs fundamental reform if spending and investment on it is to yield the benefits that London needs. London’s transport must be run in a modern, professional and competent manner. That means the management of Transport for London needs to become more rigorous in the manner that it approaches employee relations. As Mayor, I would urge the Government to look again at the legal framework for employee relations in essential public services."

Nothing disagreeable but calling for a review is unlikely to make the news. That's his main line on the Congestion Charge as well.

Just 5 out of 351 London members indicated support for Warwick in a recent ConservativeHome poll. Thorough reviews may be the best way forward, but Boris will win the personality contest so the other candidates do need to make a splash with their policy platforms if they are to be in the running.

Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers has also sent out a statement on the strikes:

"This strike action is wholly unjustified. The RMT are holding London to ransom. They are just trying to throw their weight around and London commuters are the people who will suffer as a result. These strikes will cost London businesses a huge amount in lost staff time as well as causing an enormous amount hassle for people just trying to get to work."

Deputy Editor

Interview clips with Victoria Borwick and Warwick Lightfoot

18DoughtyStreet.com's Iain Dale is interviewing the Conservative Party's 'wannabe candidates' for London Mayor.  Watch the two clips below for his interview with Victoria Borwick and Warwick Lightfoot.

Victoria Borwick regrets that the Tory selection process has been delayed and she says that it has meant that the Tories have been without a 'leader of the opposition' to Ken Livingstone.

Warwick Lightfoot explains his love of London and its diversity.  He promises to be a practical mayor - prioritising crime and anti-social behaviour - and eschewing the Ken Livingstone need for a Chavez-Castro-friendly foreign policy.

Warwick Lightfoot: A vision for London

Warwick Lightfoot, the first Conservative to announce a campaign for the Tory Mayoral nomination, writes exclusively for ConservativeHome about his 'vision for London'.

"In this year’s London Borough elections, the Conservative Party showed that it can win in London and that Londoners have had enough of paying ever-heavier tax bills for poorly delivered public services. The Conservative candidate for Mayor of London has got to be able to show that we have something relevant to say about the big challenges that face London. In my judgement we need someone with experience grounded in London local government and also a broader experience of central government, with the professional expertise to sort out London’s public services. That is why I am putting my name forward.

I have been a London borough Councillor for twenty years. As an economist I have worked in the City and held two of the top advisory jobs in government at the Treasury and the Department of Employment. I know my way around Whitehall. I have a practical agenda for public service reform that that will improve London’s public services. Spending massive amounts of money on the Police, Underground and buses has been found to achieve little without reform. Just as Gordon Brown’s massive hikes in public spending have patently not delivered the improvements in the nation’s public services.

The main concern of people across London is crime. We need to cut it and get a grip on anti-social behaviour. We need to prevent crime. And we should not be afraid of saying that we intend to catch, convict and punish criminals. We will only do this if London has more police on our streets. We need police officers that know their communities and stay and work in them. Too many police career paths do not take account of the importance of deep local knowledge. None of this will happen without fundamental changes to the way the police are recruited, trained and managed. This means looking at changes to the Police Act. And it means making the Police more accountable to Londoners.

Warwick Lightfoot launches campaign

Warwick Lightfoot - website here - was the first Tory to formally declare for the Mayoral race.

Aged 49 Mr Lightfoot has considerable experience of local government and, as an economist, has worked for leading financial institutions and was an advisor to the Treasury during the Thatcher-Major years.

His website highlights the following issues:

• More police on the beat and the need to improve police detection rates - currently at just 18%;
• "Hold down" the council tax "precept" that has doubled under Ken Livingstone to £288;
• Better value for money on the tube - "we have little to show for the billions of pounds spent" - and proper ventilation on buses;
• The need to plant more trees and encourage recycling;
• An "Olympic legacy" that "should include better sports facilities and swimming pools throughout London so that we have a fitter, more active and healthier London"; and
• Promotion of London's financial markets - "the key to the success of the London economy".

Warwick Lightfoot also promises "an advisory senate of London Boroughs Leaders".  Ken Livingstone's cavalier attitude to working with the boroughs has consistently infuriated many Tory and other London councillors.