Charles Wright
@charleswright57.bsky.social
๐ค 218
๐ฅ 152
๐ 154
Writer at OnLondon.co.uk. Former councillor in Haringey.
pinned post!
My London election forecast - not as bad for Labour as many are predicting. Plus, City Hall and the public not so keen on robotaxis, despite govt enthusiasm
@davehillonlondon.bsky.social
@richardbrown.bsky.social
@businessldn.bsky.social
@sebdance.bsky.social
wrightc.substack.com/p/election-f...
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Election fever: predictions run wild?
Plus, plenty of concerns about robocabs as big tech and the government push ahead, and new research on the history, and future, of London's powerful universities
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/election-fever-predictions-run-wild
15 days ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
James Cracknell
6 days ago
Today Kemi Badenoch visited Crews Hill where the government's 21,000-home 'new town' on Green Belt land is being vehemently opposed by Enfield Conservatives ahead of the election. She then admitted to knowing absolutely nothing about it. Read my interview ๐
enfielddispatch.co.uk/kemi-badenoc...
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Kemi Badenoch visits Crews Hill on eve of crucial local election
However the Conservative Party leader admitted to the Dispatch she was completely unaware of the 21,000-home 'new town' being planned by the government for the area
https://enfielddispatch.co.uk/kemi-badenoch-visits-crews-hill-on-eve-of-crucial-local-election/
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Thanks
@enfielddispatch.bsky.social
@jollyjourno.bsky.social
for Enfield insight. Live coverage of the Enfield count through Friday on their website.
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8 days ago
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Could a split vote in Enfield see some "unusual alliances" emerging from post-election horse-trading, putting much-needed new housing at risk, on the Green Belt but also elsewhere, as well as the borough's low traffic neighbourhoods? My On London latest
www.onlondon.co.uk/enfield-2026...
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Enfield 2026: 'How all this plays out is anyone's guess'
London's northernmost borough has always been dominated by Labour and the Conservatives, but that could be about to change dramatically
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/enfield-2026-how-all-this-plays-out-is-anyones-guess/
8 days ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Lewis Baston
9 days ago
Iโm in the
@financialtimes.com
today writing about local and devolved elections and what they mean. Sorry about the image on the card!
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Trouble for Labour across a scrambled political map
Breadth of previous support for the party makes it vulnerable to losing everywhere, to everyone, this week
https://www.ft.com/content/2e031fcc-35ec-4277-a399-e43485774f4f?accessToken=zwAAAZ3ybobNkc8uAx_MNexCd9OjmeQ0hXdPTw.MEYCIQDreyT1sudxyCsNKMLob9uWCK8OsDiSIXFuKly0VLk1kQIhANoFO6XP8epkAtLVYqNKyY1nwPxHECOsR1sTNSXAmABM&sharetype=gift&token=09f586c5-4994-46bb-81f8-daa44001e7ac
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
8 days ago
I am writing about why I will be voting Labour on Thursday. After that, I will be writing about Hillingdon (where I would consider voting tactically for Tories to stop Reform). Here are me and
@lewisbaston.bsky.social
on that borough:
londondecides.lowickhedry.com/private-docs...
.
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https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/private-docs/16-Hillingdon-London-Decides-Lowickhedry.pdf
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Could a split vote in
#Enfield
could see some "unusual alliances", with much-needed housing, in the Green Belt and elsewhere at risk, and possibly the borough's LTNs too in post-election 'No Overall Control' horse-trading? My latest for On London
www.onlondon.co.uk/enfield-2026...
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Enfield 2026: 'How all this plays out is anyone's guess'
London's northernmost borough has always been dominated by Labour and the Conservatives, but that could be about to change dramatically
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/enfield-2026-how-all-this-plays-out-is-anyones-guess/
8 days ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
10 days ago
New for On London by
@charleswright57.bsky.social
. What will the election result be? What will happen afterwards? The headline, quoting the editor of
@enfielddispatch.bsky.social
, says it all:
www.onlondon.co.uk/enfield-2026...
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Enfield 2026: 'How all this plays out is anyone's guess'
London's northernmost borough has always been dominated by Labour and the Conservatives, but that could be about to change dramatically
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/enfield-2026-how-all-this-plays-out-is-anyones-guess/
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Richard Brown
15 days ago
Another interesting assessment of Labour's local election prospects in London. I wonder what 'not-as-bad-as-we-(said-we)-feared' results will mean for Labour leadership.
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My London election forecast - not as bad for Labour as many are predicting. Plus, City Hall and the public not so keen on robotaxis, despite govt enthusiasm
@davehillonlondon.bsky.social
@richardbrown.bsky.social
@businessldn.bsky.social
@sebdance.bsky.social
wrightc.substack.com/p/election-f...
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Election fever: predictions run wild?
Plus, plenty of concerns about robocabs as big tech and the government push ahead, and new research on the history, and future, of London's powerful universities
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/election-fever-predictions-run-wild
15 days ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Richard Brown
20 days ago
Listening to Maxinquaye on Apple Music, and found this mini-review. Horrific. Hope it was written by an AI not a human.
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Charles Wright
Too close to call in Haringey, with Labour squeezed by the underestimated Lib Dems in the West and the Greens in the south? A scrappy NOC outcome then, but will that prospect scare enough voters? The GOTV operation will be critical. My report from the front line:
www.onlondon.co.uk/haringey-202...
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Haringey 2026: There's all to play for in the north London borough
It's an enduring Labour stronghold, but both the Greens and the Liberal Democrats are looking to make gains
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/haringey-2026-all-to-play-for-in-the-north-london-borough/
21 days ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
James Cracknell
20 days ago
We're going to print today with the biggest and best election coverage we've ever produced in twelve years of publishing local newspapers. If you live in the boroughs of Enfield, Barnet, Waltham Forest or Newham, make sure you grab a copy of one of our papers before 7th May - and read all about it!
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Charles Wright
Dave Hill
21 days ago
Be sure to have a look. A great deal of hard graft went into this!
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Too close to call in Haringey, with Labour squeezed by the underestimated Lib Dems in the West and the Greens in the south? A scrappy NOC outcome then, but will that prospect scare enough voters? The GOTV operation will be critical. My report from the front line:
www.onlondon.co.uk/haringey-202...
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Haringey 2026: There's all to play for in the north London borough
It's an enduring Labour stronghold, but both the Greens and the Liberal Democrats are looking to make gains
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/haringey-2026-all-to-play-for-in-the-north-london-borough/
21 days ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Murky Depths
25 days ago
Canary Wharf estate expansion into North Quay sees cladding appear on the first tower Life science labs upon completion
www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2026/04/18/n...
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Next Canary Wharf tower taking shape at North Quay site - Murky Depths
A 135 meter tower in north Quays marks Canary Wharf's northern expansion as the estate grows towards Poplar
https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2026/04/18/next-canary-wharf-tower-taking-shape-at-north-quay-site/
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
25 days ago
The very, very final touches are being put to the most comprehensive guide to the 7 May London borough elections you will find anywhere. Compiled by me and
@lewisbaston.bsky.social
in partnership with Lowick Hedry. Get your name down for one via here:
londondecides.lowickhedry.com
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London Decides โ 32 boroughs. One guide.
Expert, non-partisan analysis of all 32 London boroughs ahead of the 7 May 2026 elections. Written by Dave Hill and Lewis Baston and powered by Lowick Hedry. Register to receive it first.
https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Are the predictions of a 'Labour bloodbath' in the London council elections just a little over the top? And is it time to plan more office clusters beyond the constrained Square Mile 'centro storico'? Plus some art...My latest substack
wrightc.substack.com/p/time-to-st...
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Time to start planning new office clusters beyond the Square Mile?
Plus...is talk of an electoral 'bloodbath' for Labour getting a bit over the top, and some art
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/time-to-start-planning-new-office
28 days ago
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A wide-ranging, insightful look at London by Jack Brown
@jwbrown.bsky.social
- an antitdote to the haters, and something of a love letter too to this "incredible, flawed, horrible, messy, dirty, beautiful city"
add a skeleton here at some point
28 days ago
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Are the predictions of a 'Labour bloodbath' in the London council elections just a little over the top? And is it time to plan more office clusters beyond the constrained Square Mile 'centro storico'? Plus some art...My latest substack
wrightc.substack.com/p/time-to-st...
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Time to start planning new office clusters beyond the Square Mile?
Plus...is talk of an electoral 'bloodbath' for Labour getting a bit over the top, and some art
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/time-to-start-planning-new-office
28 days ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
about 1 month ago
Latest edition of On London Extra asks how high the Reform UK tide will rise in the capital on 7 May. Plus other elections intel and news of a related major project I'm working on with
@lewisbaston.bsky.social
. Available from my personal Substack:
davehillonlondon.substack.com
.
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Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People | Substack
The politics, development and culture of the UK capital. Click to read Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
https://davehillonlondon.substack.com
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Paintings of London
about 1 month ago
'St Pancras Station from Argyle Street' by Peter Brown
peterbrownneac.com
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
about 1 month ago
As the borough elections approach, sign up for unique and in-depth coverage of London politics, development and culture. A mix of free posts and a twice-weekly paid-for newsletter featuring elections intelligence. And much, much more to come:
davehillonlondon.substack.com
#london
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Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People | Substack
The politics, development and culture of the UK capital. Click to read Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
https://davehillonlondon.substack.com/
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Uncertainty in London, but sparks of optimism still... Plus, will new housing measures for London succeed, will TfL take over the Crews Hill line, and will there be 'robotaxis' on our streets any time soon?
@lichfieldsuk.bsky.social
@centreforlondon.bsky.social
wrightc.substack.com/p/uncertain-...
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Uncertain times for London, but grounds for optimism still...
Plus, will the new emergency housing measures for London bear fruit, will TfL get to take over the Crews Hill line, and will we be seeing 'robotaxis' on the city streets any time soon?
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/uncertain-times-for-london-but-grounds
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
CLondoner92
about 1 month ago
๐๐๏ธ London Transport Museum saw record visitor numbers in 2025, attracting nearly 450,000 people. This success is linked to a new brand, engaging exhibitions, and popular Hidden London tours.
www.ltmuseum.co.uk/news/london-...
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London Transport Museum celebrates record visitor numbers | London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum and its Hidden London tours welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors in 2025.
https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/news/london-transport-museum-celebrates-record-visitor-numbers
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Uncertainty in London, but sparks of optimism still... Plus, will new housing measures for London succeed, will TfL take over the Crews Hill line, and will there be 'robotaxis' on our streets any time soon?
@lichfieldsuk.bsky.social
@centreforlondon.bsky.social
wrightc.substack.com/p/uncertain-...
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Uncertain times for London, but grounds for optimism still...
Plus, will the new emergency housing measures for London bear fruit, will TfL get to take over the Crews Hill line, and will we be seeing 'robotaxis' on the city streets any time soon?
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/uncertain-times-for-london-but-grounds
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Centre for Cities
about 1 month ago
๐๏ธThe Croydon planning experiment
@andrewcities.bsky.social
is joined by Alison Coutinho and Guy Rochez who both worked for Croydon council when they were designing and implementing a new planning strategy to build more homes in the borough. Give it a listen๐ง๐
buff.ly/p6elfKy
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City Minutes: The Croydon planning experiment - Centre for Cities
Andrew Carter is joined by Alison Coutinhoย and Guy Rochez who both worked for Croydon council between 2019 and 2022 when they were designing and implementing a new planning strategy to build moreโฆ
https://buff.ly/p6elfKy
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Steve Chambers
about 1 month ago
The 1974 districts, now they are being abolished, are traditional/beloved. Conservative Nick Adams-King told BBC Politics South that the plans had also left locals "unhappy" about being "taken away from their traditional districts".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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'Financial burden' for Hampshire councils facing reorganisation
Hampshire council leader Nick Adams-King says plans have also left locals
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c33l7005d8yo
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
about 1 month ago
It's 50 years since Margaret Thatcher did away with the Greater London Council. Mistake. Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics takes you back (and forwards):
www.onlondon.co.uk/tony-travers...
#london
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How Margaret Thatcher paved the way for Sir Sadiq Khan
It's 50 years since the Conservatives abolished the Greater London Council little knowing what would come to follow it
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/tony-travers-how-margaret-thatcher-paved-the-way-for-sadiq-khan/
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Big tech is vying to get robotaxis into London, but
@london.gov.uk
@sebdance.bsky.social
aren't convinced. There's a battle with Whitehall too over regulation, with no current driverless car meeting TfL standards, plus wider questions over AV benefits - and costs.
www.onlondon.co.uk/robocars-wil...
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'Robocars' will have to obey London rules, says TfL chief Andy Lord
He and the deputy for transport seem unconvinced that AVs can benefit the capital, though how a veto would work is not yet clear
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/robocars-will-have-to-obey-london-rules-says-tfl-chief-andy-lord/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
My latest post now out: London has suffered in recent years, but, external shocks notwithstanding, is its next revival already underway? Plus - a word of pity for hard-working councillors facing a Green tide of "cost-of-living populism" set to sweep them away
wrightc.substack.com/p/londons-re...
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Londonโs revival may already be underway...
...but pity the poor (Labour) councillors
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/londons-revival-may-already-be-underway
about 2 months ago
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My latest post now out: London has suffered in recent years, but, external shocks notwithstanding, is its next revival already underway? Plus - a word of pity for hard-working councillors facing a Green tide of "cost-of-living populism" set to sweep them away
wrightc.substack.com/p/londons-re...
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Londonโs revival may already be underway...
...but pity the poor (Labour) councillors
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/londons-revival-may-already-be-underway
about 2 months ago
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Close to St Markโs Square!
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
2 months ago
It is a year since
@london.gov.uk
&
@londoncouncils.bsky.social
launched their London Growth Plan. How are things going so far?
@charleswright57.bsky.social
reports on scrutiny proceedings at City Hall
@londonassembly.bsky.social
www.onlondon.co.uk/london-growt...
#london
@howarddawber.bsky.social
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London Growth Plan progressing well, says Deputy Mayor
Howard Dawber provided an upbeat defence against criticisms from Green and Conservative London Assembly members
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/london-growth-plan-progressing-well-says-deputy-mayor-for-business/
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Centre for London
2 months ago
"Londonโs streets are not 'paved with gold', and the government 'needs to recognise this complex reality'." Our Research Director,
@robanderson17.bsky.social
, quoted in
@charleswright57.bsky.social
's recent piece with OnLondon โฌ๏ธ
add a skeleton here at some point
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Time for a bit of optimism. London has renewed itself many times, despite the doomster voices, and its next revival may already be underway. My latest for On London
add a skeleton here at some point
2 months ago
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London has serious problems, but the city has renewed itself many times, notably in the late 1980s after decades of decline. Is its next revival already underway?
@london.gov.uk
@howarddawber.bsky.social
@centreforlondon.bsky.social
@davehillonlondon.bsky.social
www.onlondon.co.uk/charles-wrig...
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Charles Wright: London's latest revival could be getting underway
The city is famed for its resilience and powers of reinvention, so keep an eye out for early signs
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/charles-wright-londons-latest-revival-could-be-getting-underway/
2 months ago
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My latest, slightly delayed, London Calling post - Holocaust Memorial scheme creeps forward, and how planning and council funding reforms could threaten Labour majorities in London; feat.
@russellcurtis.com
@benderbyshire.bsky.social
@davehillonlondon.bsky.social
wrightc.substack.com/p/planning-p...
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Planning pressures and taxing times for the boroughs...
And the Holocaust Memorial plan
https://wrightc.substack.com/p/planning-pressures-and-taxing-times?r=k06ae
3 months ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
RobWilliams100
3 months ago
The
@bettertransport.bsky.social
is right. Trams can get Britain moving again
bsky.app/profile/bett...
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Spot on
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
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My latest for On London, on the long-running story of the proposed Holocaust Memorial near parliament. Some recent progress, but still a long way to go
www.onlondon.co.uk/holocaust-me...
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Holocaust memorial set to pass parliamentary milestone
However, that won't be the end of the story for a controversial project launched 11 years ago
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/holocaust-memorial-set-to-pass-parliamentary-milestone-but-the-story-wont-end-there/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Andrew Carter
4 months ago
Duncan likes Canary Wharf. FWIW, so do I.
add a skeleton here at some point
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Charles Wright
A quick review of some of my planning, housing and transport stories for On London
@davehillonlondon.bsky.social
in 2025, plus some thoughts on 2026. An election year when new planning rules will begin to alter the city's landscape significantly..
open.substack.com/pub/wrightc/...
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My On London 2025โฆ
Plus, a first look at the prospects for the capital in 2026
https://open.substack.com/pub/wrightc/p/my-on-london-2025?r=k06ae&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
4 months ago
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A quick review of some of my planning, housing and transport stories for On London
@davehillonlondon.bsky.social
in 2025, plus some thoughts on 2026. An election year when new planning rules will begin to alter the city's landscape significantly..
open.substack.com/pub/wrightc/...
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My On London 2025โฆ
Plus, a first look at the prospects for the capital in 2026
https://open.substack.com/pub/wrightc/p/my-on-london-2025?r=k06ae&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
4 months ago
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Stephen Bush
4 months ago
I know, yeah, it's AI, but it just utterly wild to me, speaking as someone who grew up *in London in the time period being depicted here* that people are doing nostalgia for *London in the 90s*!
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
4 months ago
May London's best qualities prevail in 2026:
www.onlondon.co.uk/dave-hill-ma...
#london
#newyear
@lewisbaston.bsky.social
@charleswright57.bsky.social
@richardbrown.bsky.social
@richardderecki.bsky.social
@richardwatts01.bsky.social
@leannetritton.bsky.social
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Dave Hill: May London's best qualities prevail in 2026
The capital's strengths will be tested and its problems will need urgent remedies
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/dave-hill-may-londons-best-qualities-prevail-in-2026/
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Katie Martin
5 months ago
The doom and gloom about London is ridiculous and harmful. Team FT is Team London -
as.ft.com/r/19d3d36d-e...
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Donโt believe the fake gloom about London
[FREE TO READ] The UK capital is subject to more than its fair share of misinformation
https://as.ft.com/r/19d3d36d-ef9f-4629-98a0-3b7b4318cb22
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
4 months ago
On London 2025 Review. The ups, the downs, the dramas, the avalanche of untruths:
www.onlondon.co.uk/on-london-20...
#london
#truelondon
#nigelfarage
#donaldtrump
@richardbrown.bsky.social
@charleswright57.bsky.social
@lewisbaston.bsky.social
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@pickardje.bsky.social
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On London 2025: The Year Reviewed
The up, the downs, the dramas and the avalanche of untruths
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/on-london-2025-the-year-reviewed/
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan
5 months ago
London looking spectacular from above ๐
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London's Christmas lights: A view from the skies
Aerial photographs taken at night show central London dazzling in festive light displays.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjnze3nl5qo
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reposted by
Charles Wright
Dave Hill
5 months ago
On London Extra brings you the very best of the World's Greatest London Quiz!
davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/on-london-...
.
#london
#truelondon
@londonactor.bsky.social
@lewisbaston.bsky.social
@charleswright57.bsky.social
@richardbrown.bsky.social
@jollyjourno.bsky.social
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On London Extra: It's Quiz Time!
Twelve Questions for Christmas. Plus why Nigel Farage won't share in the capital's seasonal goodwill, and the latest from OnLondon.
https://davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/on-london-extra-its-quiz-time
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TfL chiefs sound positive about the network's financial position, but declining bus ridership remains a significant risk. My latest for On London
@sebdance.bsky.social
www.onlondon.co.uk/transport-fo...
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Transport for London chiefs strike positive financial note
Appearing before the London Assembly's budget committee, they anticipated operating surpluses and an adequate programme for network renewals
https://www.onlondon.co.uk/transport-for-london-chiefs-strike-positive-financial-note/
5 months ago
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