On London Latest: Alignment potential

Labour runs the government of the capital at all layers, but can the party make the most of it? Plus by-elections Super Thursday, Thames Water submerges and more

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I'm immersed in final preparations for the coming Friday's On London Christmas Party, writing my little speech, choosing a nice cake and selecting that all-important outfit. I was jolted to learn at last night's All-Party Parliamentary Group for London winter reception that one of my favourite supporters thought she wasn't invited.

I woke this morning in a mild panic, worrying that emails about the event haven't got through to everyone or have somehow gone unnoticed. So if the party information has passed you by, please come if you would like to. All the details you need are at the end of this email.


ALIGNMENT ISSUES

The APPG do was at the House of Commons, attended by London politicians from all layers of government, representatives of the capital's business world and more. There was lots of upbeat talk about the potential of "alignment" - basically, Labour being the boss of Parliament, City Hall and most of the capital's Town Halls - to make good things happen, but also some disquiet about the housebuilding sector pretty much grinding to a halt, and a few murmured complaints that more could be done in mayoral circles to get things moving. It's an ongoing debate.