GOVERNING LONDON

This timely book is the first to take a close historical look at Ken Livingstone''s London. Based on interviews and archival research, it investigates the development of London governance from the demise of the Greater London Council to the establishment of the Greater London Authority. This well-researched guide to the recent history of London''s government retells the story of the passage of the [Greater London Authority Act] through parliament, the subsequent referendum and the eventual election of a mayor and assembly in June 2000 ... It is measured, accurate, and fair to all the participants. Perhaps the most valuable lesson can be drawn from the section comparing city management systems around the world Steven Norris, The Financial Times Pimlott and Rao judiciously scrutinise how [London] ended up with [Ken Livingstone]. They tease out the history of London government, and how the Livingstone regime has performed so far Paul Barker, The Independent ''Governing London is an important and required addition to any specialist''s library. Its analysis concepts and tangible examples resonate beyond London . . . . Most of all, it is a must-read for any bureaucrat charged with recommending governance redesign of local government.''-- Comptes Rendus