Lynne Featherstone

On Friday went to the 'thank you' party for all those who worked on the London elections for the Liberal Democrats. Nice to see Dee Doocey and Mike Tuffrey who are two of our ongoing LibDem members on the GLA and get all the gossip about who was doing what with whom - in the sense of chairing committees and so on. All change again apparently as Liberal Democrats, Labour and Greens combine to try to make the Assembly work and really hold the Mayor to account.

However, the rules are stacked in favour of the Mayor when it comes to the budget - as it requires a two-thirds majority to reject the Mayor's budget. The Tories have over a third of the seats - so enough to rubber stamp whatever Boris wants. Nowhere else can a budget be passed on a minority vote. Ho hum!

What was either sad or sweet - depending how you look on it - was apparently Ken Livingstone was in the gallery watching the Assembly meeting as it made its first decisions after the elections - the ghost at the feast. I can't imagine what that felt like - to see the how going on without you - when you have been the sole proprietor for so many years. Poignant - maybe?

I've noticed a bit of speculation in cyberworld as to whether Ken will seek a parliamentary seat - perhaps mine or his old stomping ground in Brent. Can't imagine why he would want to go back into the Commons - as he is reputed to have hated it. Maybe he believes he is the Prime Minister Labour never had and wants to give them another chance. No - he's not that stupid!