As always at the start of a general election campaign, there is talk of debates: Rishi Sunak, who is 20 points behind in the opinion polls, wants as many debates as possible, while Sir Keir Starmer, who is 20 points behind, wants as few debates as possible.
Debates are certainly influential – voters still remember his 2010 “yes to Nick” remarks, and Sunak shot to national prominence in 2019 when he stood in for Boris Johnson – but they've never been decisive. Given the tumultuous events of the past four and a half years, from partygate and inflation to Liz Truss's “mini-budget”, a solid debate performance from May would make it impossible to break the tie.
One figure many voters would have preferred not to see is Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader whose party was investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission for rampant anti-Semitism under his leadership, who will stand as an independent in Islington North. A period of silence would have been welcomed for Corbyn.
Notable successes
New rail lines are not eligible to stand for parliamentary office, but if they could, the Elizabeth line would be an easy winner. The line has carried 350 million passengers since it opened two years ago, and it's not done yet, with TfL predicting a further 8 percent increase next year.
Again, a line that didn't exist two years ago is now the UK's busiest and second most punctual (only Greater Anglia is better). The Elizabeth line has generated an estimated £42 billion in economic benefits, according to city hall, and has recouped its costs considerably. Undoubtedly, the line has played a vital role in the capital's post-pandemic recovery.
Politicians and policymakers should take note. Our infrastructure plans will be successful if supported. London remains the driver of UK GDP and attempts to level it down are not only misguided but would be detrimental to the wider economy. Moreover, with 75 constituencies, there is plenty of political capital to be gained.
You made a difference
It's official: the Evening Standard's Winter 2023 Survival Appeal, run in partnership with Comic Relief, raised more money than any other newspaper appeal last year, according to independent analysis.
Our campaign raised an astounding £2.45m, proving once again that the Standard is the most campaigning newspaper in the country – and our partnership with Comic Relief alone accounted for almost 40 per cent of the total raised nationally.
We'd like to thank all the individuals and businesses who donated to help support children and families suffering in London and across the UK – your contributions have really made a difference.
