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Robin9 · May 26th 16, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Corfield[_2_]

On Wed, 25 May 2016 07:02:02 +0200, Robin9
wrote:

Mizter T;155931 Wrote:

To me, Valerie Shawcross really stood out as an excellent London
Assembly member. I was a bit surprised when I learnt she was stepping
down from the assembly (or more accurately wasn't in the contest for
2016), but I wonder if her becoming a deputy Mayor was always the plan
if Sadiq won. I wish her well in this new role.

Genuine question: In what way was she excellent? I know little
about Val Shawcross but what I do know is not impressive.

She had demanded TfL impose insurance requirements on
minicab firms without first learning the basics of insurance. She
has demanded TfL develop a strategy for the cab trade in
London without recognising that being the regulator of a trade
or industry is not the same as running it. (Does she believe the
DVLA should stipulate what cars are sold in the U K?. Does she
believe the Gaming Commission should influence gamblers as to
which casino they frequent?)

The impression I have formed is that Val Shawcross has an
unoriginal mind and conventional Labour Party prejudices.

Not sure that is entirely fair. I've no issue with you disagreeing
with her conclusions or proposals. I've not always agreed with them
either or I've found some of her criticisms to be "simplistic" which
is what you get from politicians when it suits them.

I do think, though, that she has made a lot of effort to build up her
knowledge on transport matters and I think she has a good rounded
understanding of the main modes in London. This is far more
encouraging than Lord "I rode buses in London for a week so now I'm an
all round expert" Adonis. I've lost count of the times when I've been
utterly exasperated by the nonsense he's spoken / tweeted. All he
wants to do is pour concrete and build totemic schemes. I don't think
he could cope with issues about cycle hire, road surfaces, parking,
ULEZ or bus services. Far too minor for his brain to cope with.

The big issue for Val is that now she has to work with TfL, Government
and the Mayor to make sure things happen. I think she's going to find
that what looked "simple" from the view of a scrutinising politician
is harder when you have to "do". I think she'll have a bit of a
honeymoon from Assembly colleagues but it won't last. The weight of
expectation from the taxi trade, the tube trade unions, cycling
lobbyists etc is enormous. I also suspect she'll be at odds with the
Mayor over things like the Silvertown Tunnel. He clearly thinks it
should be built but I suspect Val doesn't. I assume she will also
have political oversight over the reorganisation of TfL to save money.
That is going to mean job losses in my view (and direct experience) -
seen it umpteen times. A Labour Mayor sacking TfL staff isn't going
to go down well (with some people). Others may, of course, put out
the bunting and have a party.

Let's see how things go and whether she toughs it out over the hard
issues or not.

--
Paul C

Thanks for your reply.

I'm certainly willing to give her a chance. (In fact, of course,
I have no choice!) I assume the Mayor discussed his ideas and
priorities with her before giving her the job. More fool him if he
didn't.