London: Mayor & More

New Livingstone Biography Due

From The Observer:

"Radio 4 reporter Andrew Hosken has just finished his biography of Ken Livingstone, which is being rushed out in time for the mayoral election. Hosken is the man whose investigations into Shirley Porter's time as leader of Westminster City Council first alleged corruption. I reported some time ago that Ken had submitted to interviews from Hosken in the belief that keeping his enemies close was the safest way to deal with the project. His publisher promises the book is 'balanced', but warns that Ken can 'expect one or two surprises.'"

So there's a Brian book and now a Ken book timed for pre-election release. I know what you're thinking, Boris, and I'd love to. But the money has to be so right...

Your Sunday Viewing

In reverse order of latest YouGov polling position: The Cannabis Cop...

The Incumbent...

...and The Blond

Gorgeous, aren't they? All courtesy of the Evening Boris via Brightcove.

Meaningful Mutterings

From Labour's spring conference, Guardian political editor Patrick Wintour reports that:

"Livingstone's aides privately acknowledge that they feel the contest has become a referendum on his record, rather than a choice between him and Johnson."

Which is very interesting, especially as Patrick also reports that aides of Hazel Blears, who laid into Johnson yesterday, suggested that his connection with Darius Guppy:

"raised questions about his suitability for the role of chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority, as Johnson proposes if he wins."

Oh dear, it's getting personal. [Thanks to commenter A. Hawkins for Guppy link]

Reforming The Mayoralty

London Labour Councillor Tony Belton:

"There is no check or balance on the mayor. No member of the Greater London Authority could credibly claim that they have any control or that their scrutiny role amounts to more than a row of beans. This relationship between the mayor and the assembly, his parliament, needs to be changed."

It's nothing personal - he's backing Livingstone. Now read on.

Strife In Sidcup

So, local Conservatives organise a march to save St Mary's Hospital's A&E and Maternity departments and invite everyone to come. Brian Paddick accepts and takes his place alongside Boris Johnson. But after The Blond has spoken, a local Tory Councillor runs off with the megaphone to prevent the Lib Dem candidate doing the same. Well, that's what Duncan Borrowman says.

That Vacancy At New Statesman

The Indie's Andy McSmith spots an intriguing signatory to the Compass letter.

More At Londonist

My second mini-survey of the week's action.

Paddick Bashes Rail Boss

Poor Sir Ian. First Boris and now Brian thinks he shouldn't have got that gong.

Ken, Harrow & Diversity

Bit of a tiff in the Tory borough.

My Debut On Guardian Politics Site

I feel very honoured. It's here.