Meeting of the full Metropolitan Police Authority at which Sir Ian Blair is anointed and announced as the next Met Commissioner. No surprise there. He’s been trailed for at least 4 years as the heir apparent to Sir John Stevens (who is standing down). I wish him well.

Other business covered the funding of step change / safer neighbourhoods scheme, which involves putting lots more police on the ground in local communities. Everyone wants it rolled out across London but will the money be found for it? It’s looking unlikely that it will be fully funded in the Government’s announcements next week.

Then back to the GLA where our office Liaison Manager tells me that the Mayor’s press office have been moaning to him that I am too negative about the Mayor. Honestly Ken – I do think you are able to defend yourself perfectly adequately without sending someone to wheedle on your behalf.

I think Ken has done some brilliant things – but since becoming a Labour Mayor the

dynamic at London Government has fundamentally changed. Ken is now definitely a Mayor for Labour and not for a Greater London.