[walthamstow]

As an 'only-half-joking' London nationalist I feel compelled to tell you that London too is governed by voters in the rest of the UK who know nothing about the city, its economy or its people.

This isn't a disagreement, I'm just pointing out how great regionalism/federalism could be for the UK

[svieira]

You might like G. K. Chesterton's _The Napoleon of Notting Hill_ if you haven't already read it (neighborhood regionalism at its finest!)

[bowietrousers]

London gets its own way, with its own affairs, a lot - it already has a mayor, an elected assembly, and its own transport governance.

[walthamstow]

You listed offices, but not powers. Those bodies do not really have any substantial powers.

The GLA is not a legislative body at all.

The mayor is responsible for transport and, uhh, that's about it.

[uoaei]

This kind of pointedly naive questioning -- starting the conversation over at zero -- is an extremely unhelpful "discussion" (debate) tactic, and is really annoying to boot.

[walthamstow]

Fair enough. I've edited it.

p.s. FWIW I don't think you should be downvoted for this comment. You were right.