The FT's Westminster blog ponders this morning on why the mainstream press aren't pursuing Lee Jasper with quite the - ahem - glee of the Standard: A growing number of pundits are wondering why the mainstream press aren't writing much - if anything - about Lee Jasper. The London mayor's… read more…

Thanks to Harry's Place for this gem from George No-mates Galloway: an open letter appealing for people to join his platform, Respect Renewal: There is a crisis of representation for trade unionist, ethnic minorities, those in poverty and on low wages, those facing racism and other forms of discrimination, sex… read more…

Welcome to our live coverage of Ken Livingstone's appearance on BBC Radio London. Given the last few days it should be quite - ahem - interesting. Click on "Read More" to read the whole thing. Gordon Brown gave Ken his full support for Ken in PMQs today, saying a "Labour… read more…

While BoJo tries to smooth over past transgressions, it's getting worse and worse for Ken. This morning, the deputy to his under-fire advisor Lee Jasper has quit, after flagrantly lying to the Beeb over an expenses-paid trip to Nigeria. It's the first high-level resignation among Livingstone's team during the current… read more…

With an air of righteous indignation, Guido informs us he's sticking to coverage of Westminster, and would be rather satisfied if the rest of the UK blogosphere did too: Does the British Commentariat really know what it is talking about? They seem awfully ready to provide analysis of the local… read more…

This was announced yesterday on the Government News Network: An historic new written agreement which will radically transform the relationship between central and local government and which sets out unprecedented new freedoms for local areas and communities has been signed by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and LGA Chairman Sir Simon… read more…

New e-petition! Petition to: stop wasting tax payers money.: Everyday we here of yet another case of tax payers money being used inappropriately. Today it was announced that 1.6 billion has been paid in family allowance for chidren who do not live in this country and no checks are done… read more…

News comes via The Guardian of the Government's new approach to getting immigrants to integrate: Tell councils and agencies to stop translating official forms and documents, and they'll magically learn English. Hooray! Problem solved!… read more…

The Telegraph are reporting that Davy's going to announce Conservative "co-ops" which allow residents to take over the running of local services, including schools. Hmm. Westmonster realises that she always seems to be the one widdling on everybody's fireworks, but foundation hospitals (similar premise) have hardly been a roaring success… read more…