Backlash in the London suburbs: the local-strategic tension in multilevel governance

Abstract

In this paper we explore the tensions in metropolitan-level governance between strategic planning and desires for political decentralisation. We do this through a three-part analysis. First, we focus on the 2008 election strategy of Boris Johnson to become Mayor of London, with its aim of gaining suburban votes and giving more autonomy to the local borough level. We then look at the impacts of this campaign on electoral results; and, finally, we look at the outcome of the Outer London Commission, which was set up by the Mayor after the election to deal with strategic issues concerning London's suburbs. We find that a strategic intent to benefit suburban residents and the decentralisation of power to the boroughs are contradictory and have led to a policy stalemate.