In September 1993, I attended what seemed like one of the least auspicious political meetings of my lifetime. It was held in Manhattan’s Mad Hatter bar and was for “Friends of Rudy Giuliani”.
Giuliani was aiming to be the first Republican mayor of New York City in 30 years. Not many others came because nobody gave Giuliani a chance. But thanks to his relentless focus on crime and the perception that the incumbent had lost control of the situation, he went on to secure victory, winning by 51 per cent to 48 per cent that November. He held the job for eight years.
Giuliani is now a controversial figure in US politics but as mayor he revolutionised not only the city, but the whole way counterparts across the United States and beyond did their jobs, and how politicians could show decisive leadership and focus on a major issue. His was crime.
London needs this kind of decisive leadership right now from City Hall. With our city’s murder rate hitting successive 11-year highs, we need can-do leadership right now, otherwise we are risking London’s position as the best city in the world at a delicate time for its future.
I was absolutely delighted when my great friend Shaun Bailey asked me to chair his campaign to be Mayor of London. The work has already started.
I have known Bailey since his earliest days in London politics, and I know that most of all, he wants to lead this great city, where he was born, grew up, and which he now represents as a London Assembly member. In my view, he is the only candidate who actually wants to do the job, not seeing it as a vehicle for future ambitions.
We need a Mayor who will secure London’s position as an economic powerhouse. Our city is the engine of the national economy — London accounts for almost a quarter of national GDP. We must be proud of this, yet conscious of our unique situation. As we leave the EU, the Government must strive to protect the City of London, our invaluable services sector, and cultural and creative marvels.
The only person who can juggle all of this is Bailey. He has a strong working relationship with the Government, which will allow him to secure the best deals for the capital.
London is rightfully recognised as the best city in the world, however we are currently mired in violent crime. There were 149 homicides recorded by the Met in London last year. Every single type of offence was up on the year before. Under the current Mayor, crime is spiralling and every day of inaction puts lives at risk.
Bailey wants to make London safe again. Our city’s progress and status are on the line — we must take action and he has the focus and determination that this city needs right now.
Greg Hands is MP for Chelsea and Fulham, chairman of the Shaun Bailey mayoral campaign, and a former minister for London
