I was thinking of large parts of Surrey, namely Weybridge, Walton on
Thames etc, and the likes of Watford and Denham, all of which fall
inside the M25. Not all of these can be described as having a net
effect of zero...........

I still don't see how or why those places could move from the South East
England or East of England regions to the London region without giving
the residents the same voting rights as those already in the London region?
There isn't any argument, benefit or precedent to support such a thing.


If Ken wants Greater London to use the M25 as THE boundary he will
have to include those areas and, I suspect, the political forces will
not want upset the current cosy voting pattern - god forbid that the
blue rinses of Walton & Weybridge should have a say in the election
of the Greater London assembly and the mayor of London. I can just
imagine some candidate saying (to paraphrase Patrica Hughit -
patronising old bag) "this electorate is too middle class".

File under "good idea - not politically acceptable".


For a start it will not be his decision, it will be made at Westminster level.
I'm not entirely sure why he wants to extend the border as it doesn't make
much political sense for him personally as most of the newly added London
electorate would be unlikely to vote for him, preferring a low-tax, low-spend,
"everyone have as many cars as you like" Tory mayor. The other problem will
be the local government districts which will need to be redrawn. There will
be small chunks left of districts outside the M25 that will need to absorbed
into some other entity. Which perhaps uncovers his real intention. If the
boundary is extended the existing London Boroughs will need to be reformed
and he has already suggested larger "super boroughs". The intention is
possibly to eliminate such thorns in his side as the City of Westminster London
Borough Council. Statue of Mandela anyone?