The Mayor of London is one of the most important roles in the country - shaping how the city grows, lives and works. But is there another way to run London?
In this episode of Talk About London, Peter Murray joins Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon to argue that London’s future hinges on something often overlooked: the built environment.
With a housing crisis deepening and 600,000 people working across the sector, Peter sets out a more pragmatic, less political approach - one that brings together developers, communities and City Hall to unlock growth. From street votes and estate ballots to reducing development risk and learning from places like King’s Cross, he makes the case for a more collaborative, confident London.
If we want to build the homes and infrastructure the city needs, it starts with how we think about — and talk about — the places we shape every day.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Peter Murray's candidacy and his background in London's development
02:44 - Addressing London's housing shortage and affordability crisis
03:41 - Knowledge gaps among candidates regarding London's built environment
06:07 - The significance of the built environment sector in London's economy
07:28 - The potential for independent candidates to succeed in London politics
09:44 - Why politicians struggle to understand London's development challenges
10:10 - The legacy of Ken Livingstone and pragmatism in urban planning
13:28 - The importance of supporting small and local builders
15:08 - The role of community involvement and local engagement
16:33 - The importance of better communication and public trust in development
17:16 - How social media can support development advocacy
20:11 - The influence of political fragmentation and the potential for independent mayoral leadership
23:37 - The possibility of collaboration rather than confrontation with local authorities
24:32 - Reducing conflicts in development processes through dialogue
28:00 - The potential of consensus-building and cross-party collaboration
32:41 - Challenges of densifying suburban London and innovative solutions
33:11 - The role of street-level agreements in development approval
35:23 - How reducing risk for developers can boost London’s housing supply
36:52 - Transforming planning departments into enablers of development
37:19 - The importance of building a sense of London citizenship and unity
38:12 - Advocating for community-building campaigns using London’s assets
39:41 - The importance of promoting London’s identity through symbols like flags and initiatives
40:24 - Fostering a shared London identity to overcome divisions
41:20 - Combating hate and promoting inclusivity in London
42:46 - The role of civic society in shaping the city’s future
","author_name":"TheLondonSociety"}