Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

THE FIGHT TO BE LONDON MAYOR: IT'S A WOMAN THING

Mark Rowe
Saturday 14 August 1999 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

GLENDA JACKSON

Claim to fame: Penchant for removing clothes in films directed by Ken Russell.

Reason enough to vote for her? There's more. Also played a comic Cleopatra with Morecombe and Wise.

That seals it surely. Perhaps you should look at her record as junior transport minister.

Anything to worry about there? In almost 30 months of Labour government the Underground has got even worse, despite pledges by Glenda it was an immediate priority.

But the mess was inherited from the previous mob. Fair enough. And she has launched a campaign to get children to walk to school.

Other achievements? Turned twee Hampstead and Highgate into a rock-solid Labour seat.

A Blair Babe? Extremely loyal to Blair and John Prescott. Too loyal for own good, say her friends and has yet to get the recognition she really deserves.

SUSAN KRAMER

At last, a fresh face in the race for mayor. Leading businesswoman, elected to the European Parliament, London region this year. MP for Dulwich and West Norwood since 1997. Former vice-president, Citibank, Chicago.

A future mayor who works in Brussels? Lives in the well-heeled London suburb of Barnes, actually.

The unified Liberal Democrat candidate? Won 62 per cent of the votes. Charles Kennedy praised her "impressive credentials".

Sounds a little dull. Far from it. Tries her hand at flamenco dancing and enjoys travel and reading.

Vote clincher?: "Give me six months and I would have the money together to put it into the Tube system."

London commuters have heard that one before. But she may actually mean it.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in