David Butler

Tony Travers

Andrew Adonis

Reviled by the public and disowned by politicians, the poll tax was the most celebrated political disaster in post-war Britain. This book tells the full story of the poll tax, from its conception to its demise.

The Politics of the Poll Tax

Failure in British Government

It is the year 1965. Mary Quant introduces the miniskirt to society in her shop in Chelsea; the Dalek-style Post Office Tower is opened; and the Beatles play their last ever live UK tour date. Most importantly, on 1 April, a new system of city government is introduced and London’s thirty-two boroughs are born, revolutionising the capital into the place we know today.New names had to be chosen, councillors elected and policies formed; these boroughs and the Greater London Council between them took control of housing, roads, planning, schools and social services. Half a century on and, though the GLC was abolished in 1986, the boroughs live on, now working alongside a new metropolitan government headed by mayors Ken Livingstone and, since 2008, Boris Johnson.In London’s Boroughs at 50, Tony Travers examines the governing system that developed alongside the growing metropolis and, by identifying the unique path each has taken over the years, tells the fascinating story of how our remarkably diverse boroughs have not only survived, but actively shaped both the city and the lives of its inhabitants in their impressive fifty-year history.

London Boroughs at 50

Jack Brown

Richard Brown

This year, London’s elected mayor and assembly turn twenty. But has London’s mayoralty lived up to the expectations that were set for it? Have its three mayors been able to get to grips with the city’s challenges? How have they responded to crises in the past – and what does the future hold? This important new book marks the twentieth anniversary of London’s mayor and assembly and investigates the relative successes and challenges of the mayoralty to date, before asking what comes next for London. It combines analysis by experts with reflections from those closely involved in setting up, running and working with the Greater London Authority, alongside those who have held the position of Mayor of London themselves.

Tony Travers

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