Westminster Council, never known for grand philanthropic gestures, is now leading calls for a curb on soup runs and food distribution to the homeless. The argument, which is supported by no less than homeless champion John Bird, is that easy access to food will only proliferate homelessness, as it removes some of the spur to find work and shelter. It is also true that there are some who have accommodation but still seek to cash......

You could be forgiven for not giving a fig about how the candidates for the London mayoral elections in 2008 are shaping up. Londonist, however, does. On the left, the Greens were first off the block in March with the selection of anti-4x4 campaigner Sian Berry, followed by Respect (remember them?) in April with Lindsey German, who stood last time on behalf of Team Galloway. For the far right, the British National Party have selected......

While we love London as it is, there's no denying that this place is changing. These changes are in some cases very welcome, much needed and the result of earnest campaign. In some cases, these changes are unwanted, unwelcome, unnecessary and wasteful. There's a certain amount of debate on this very website about London past, present and future but we note with great pleasure a far grander and, dare we say, better organised lot......

Ken, you have a contender. John Bird, successful businessman and founder of The Big Issue, announced his candidacy for Mayor of London and unveiled the accompanying manifesto. Mr Bird, running independently but courting interest from the Conservatives, said his platform would be one of ‘social inclusion,’ targeting youth crime, irresponsible businesses and housing problems in the capital. "The first thing I would do as mayor would be to look at the great oxygenators of......