We hope you’re staying cool during the 5th heatwave of the summer so far. This week we’re exploring Sadiq Khan’s Deputy Mayors and whether they’re value for money. Meanwhile, Susan Hall has a warning for you if you care about your local park - Sadiq Khan might have his eyes on it!
MEET THE DEPUTY MAYORS
At almost £150,000 each, Sadiq Khan’s Deputies are a bit of a waste. Over the summer, we’re taking a more in-depth look at each one and asking ourselves: what is the point of them? But before we kick off, here’s a handy explanation to help you meet all of the people who pick up the Mayor’s slack:
DEPUTY MAYOR FOR CULTURE: VALUE FOR MONEY?
One of Khan’s Deputy Mayors is Justine Simons, the Deputy Mayor for Culture. With tens of thousands of freebies and gifts, do you think she represents value for money?
IS YOUR PARK IN DANGER?
Sadiq Khan wants to build 56,000 homes on greenbelt land - which may include your park. With new call-in powers enabling him to go over the heads of local councils, Sadiq Khan may be about to start a blitz of tower blocks in your area. Susan Hall has more:
WHERE IS THE MAYOR’S DIARY
It was a simple promise: Sadiq Khan said he would be the most transparent Mayor of London, and would publish his diary in full. But no diary has been published, despite us repeatedly asking him to do so. Susan Hall has had enough and arrived at City Hall this week to demand, once and for all, that the Mayor pull his finger out and publish: