By: James Ford

James Ford is a former adviser to Mayor of London Boris Johnson, specialising in transport, environment and technology policy. He subsequently advised several blue-chip companies in the capital including London City Airport, the Ministry of Sound and the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He has appeared on LBC and writes regularly for Conservative Home.

All 55 Articles

Is Sadiq Khan finally getting something right on London’s nightlife?

March 20, 2025

It has taken eight years – and the appointment of one disastrous night czar – but Sadiq Khan is finally listening to industry when it comes to the future of London’s after hours leisure economy, writes James Ford As a former aide to the previous Mayor of London, it is very rare that I find [...]
Sadiq Khan’s plan to ‘turbocharge’ London’s economy is wilfully naive

March 3, 2025

Sadiq Khan’s London Growth Plan is an admirable and ambitious vision for the capital, but its bold projections should be taken with a pinch of salt, says James Ford When running for his historic third term last year, Sadiq Khan claimed to be the “most pro-business Mayor ever”. Now he is putting his money where [...]
A four-day week for tube drivers is a slap in the face for Londoners

November 12, 2024

Christmas has come early for tube drivers, who will now work less for more pay. But the government will regret making a deal that proves that strikes work, says James Ford More money for less work. If you’re a trade union official, that is the holy grail you are pursuing on your members’ behalf in [...]
Last orders for Amy Lame, but London still needs a night czar

October 4, 2024

Amy Lame let Londoners down but that doesn’t mean we should abolish the post of night czar altogether. There are three ways we can make sure the next person to hold the post make the capital a 24-hour city, writes James Ford After eight years in post, Amy Lame is calling time on her tenure [...]
A car-free Oxford Street does sound dreamy, but there’s a problem: buses

September 19, 2024

An Oxford Street with no cars is a charming fantasy. But ignore the "red wall of metal" at your peril, writes James Ford

Costa Coffee hails ‘strong progress’ after Coca-Cola scraps sale

You’re sued and you know you are: New law puts onus on clubs to prevent player abuse

Is Soho nightlife really dead? We went partying to find out

By: James Ford

All 55 Articles

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