Friday, February 27, 2009

A 'strong leader' for London?

According to today's Evening Standard, the Labour Party have made a secret approach to Sir Alan Sugar to see if he would be willing to be their candidate for Mayor of London in 2012. Indeed, so secret is it now that most of London is either aware of it, or haven't left their offices yet.

Now I have no personal axe to grind against Sir Alan (although I'm guessing that Arsenal fans probably do...) but one does wonder what qualifications he has to run a city. In particular, does he have the skills required to work with a variety of local politicians, representing at least five political parties, whilst under public scrutiny? It isn't as simple as giving an instruction and expecting something to happen.

The job of Mayor requires diplomacy, tact and persistence. It needs someone who understands the art of the possible and that hard choices come with moral and ethical consequences, not just economic ones.

Oh yes, and you'll have to beat Ken Livingstone just to get the nomination...

No comments: