Subregions of England are to get new powers but far less than London

Cities are back. After decades of decline and urban deprivation the metropolis (so the rhetoric goes) is the powerhouse of the 21st century post-industrial economy. In England the 'core cities' - Birm…

Hurrah! Boo! It’s the Ken and Boris show

The first lot are (a) Ken Livingstone; (b) Boris Johnson; (c) Brian Paddick (or Brian Paddock, as I heard a well-heeled woman in a focus group call him last week). The second lot are (a) Johnson; (b) …

It will be ‘two jobs’ Boris Johnson if he becomes Mayor of London

2/1 Boris to be Mayor when Olympics start; 5/1 Ken: BORIS DRAWS CLEAR ON MILLION POUND MAYORAL RUN-IN, SAY BOOKIES BORIS JOHNSON has finally established a clear lead in the race to become Mayor Of Lon…

London blogger exposes Underground life

A blog about London's underground has become a huge success as disgruntled commuters log on for the Tube's latest woes. Photo / Reuters LONDON - Annie Mole's blog about the London Underground rail sys…

Londoners vote for Mayor today

The Labour mayor posted a million postcards with the message "Don't Vote for a Joke" and predicted voters would decide at the last minute that they couldn't risk electing Johnson.

MI5 agents and torture abroad

Leaders & reply section. It was last updated at 00:12 on May 01 2008. Allegations that MI5 agents worked hand in glove with torturers who abused Britons in Pakistan couldn't be more serious (Report,…

We made mistakes in abolishing 10p rate, admits Brown

UK news section. It was last updated at 00:12 on May 01 2008. Gordon Brown yesterday admitted making "mistakes" in abolishing the 10p rate of income tax as the Conservatives ratcheted up the pressur…

Ministers urge PM to remain steady under fire

UK news section. It was last updated at 00:12 on May 01 2008. Gordon Brown will be deluged with conflicting advice in the event of poor local election results, but there is no appetite inside or out…

Zoe Williams on the possibility of Boris Johnson as mayor of London

Unbelievable as it may seem, Boris Johnson has a real chance of being elected London mayor today. Zoe Williams and other Londoners imagine what it would be like if this bigoted, lying, Old Etonian buf…

Confident Cameron looks forward to a hat-trick

UK news section. It was last updated at 00:12 on May 01 2008. For the first time in a decade, the Conservatives scent real power. Senior figures in the party hope that mayoral candidate Boris Johnso…