London faces major headwinds — and that’s why it’s time to give the Mayor far-reaching powers

At times, that improvement required controversial decisions, notably the introduction of the Congestion Charge in the early 2000s followed by the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) under Sadiq Khan which annoyed motorists, particularly in the outer boroughs. Yet legitimacy and confidence in the office of the mayor has grown. On the world stage, Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson and Khan have all talked up London, winning inward investment to stimulate growth and jobs.