Predictions from Ken Livingstone

Ken Livingstone predicts clashes over housing between Labour and Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson.

Former London mayor Ken Livingstone has warned that Labour's success in the capital in this month's local elections could lead to a rise in disputes between boroughs and current Tory mayor Boris Johnson over affordable housing.

The Labour Party seized control of nine London councils earlier this month, regaining Ealing, Enfield and Harrow from the Conservatives and becoming the majority party in the previously hung councils of Brent, Camden, Hounslow, Islington, Southwark and Waltham Forest.

But commentators including former Labour mayor Livingstone warned the results could lead to disputes between Labour-run councils and Tory mayor Boris Johnson over issues such as the number and location of new affordable homes.

For instance, the situation could make it easier for Labour boroughs to push forward (their views on) affordable housing."

Tony Travers, director of the London School of Economics' Greater London Group, said: "Labour has traditionally been more in favour of affordable and social housing than the Conservatives and this has long been a contentious issue. The fact that the majority of boroughs are under Labour leadership changes the political dynamics of London and I expect more disagreements around new housing plans."

Read more about Ken Livingstone | Original Source