Anne McElvoy on the symbolism of David Ross's fall:
Boris Johnson's major pronouncement on the financial crisis is that we will not find him bashing the bankers. Well, why not, where they deserve it? Politicians and regulators set the framework for commerce, but those in it have the primary duty to carry out their responsibilities without bringing their businesses into disrepute or endangering its future...
It isn't exactly surprising that a popular stocking-filler this Christmas is books along the lines of "What eats bankers?" and "101 uses for a dead banker". So far, though, the Mayor's main statement on the matter is pure Blingsville: bankers were great for London, and all that has happened is the Government's fault.
It jars. He needs a change of tone and depth to identify with a capital which, however brave the face we put on it, is shaken by the scale of job losses and facing an uncertain winter and a long economic trough beyond.
Why, that's almost Guardian language. Now read on.
