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Ben Lynch

@benlynch07.bsky.social
191 followers 328 following 295 posts

Local Democracy Reporter, covering City of London / Hammersmith and Fulham / Westminster / Kensington and Chelsea / ben.lynch@reachplc.com

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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
New: Crossrail 2 should enter the west of the City of London to support projected growth around Fleet Street, a councillor has said. The safeguarded route would see stops in Angel, Euston and Tottenham Court Road, but not the Square Mile. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
mylondon.news
Extra Crossrail 2 stop 'should be added in City of London'
Common Councillor Shravan Joshi said it is "disappointing" the indicative Crossrail 2 route does not run through the City of London
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Hammersmith and Fulham Council opted against challenging Government's Fair Funding reforms after receiving advice from a KC, it can be revealed. H&F Leader Stephen Cowan told a panel at Labour Conference there was a 'very low likelihood' of success. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Council opts against Fair Funding challenge following advice from KC
Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, said the local authority had chosen not to pursue action over the Government reforms
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Reposted by Ben Lynch
Dave Comeau @davidajcomeau.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Really proud to see one of my reporters Kumail Jaffer shortlisted for Regional Journalist of the Year at the Asian Media Awards 2026. He's MyLondon's LDR holding City Hall to account. Also pleased to see our former apprentice Aakifah Gani shortlisted www.asianmediaawards.com/asian-media-...
asianmediaawards.com
Asian Media Awards 2025 Finalists
Asian Media Awards 2025 Shortlist was announced on Tuesday 23 September.
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Dave Comeau @davidajcomeau.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Hammersmith and Fulham Council said no but City Hall has said yes to the redevelopment of a school and construction of over 300 homes, citing the need for affordable housing. Story by @benlynch07.bsky.social www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
City Hall overrides council to approve school redevelopment and housing
Hammersmith and Fulham rejected the Phoenix Academy scheme in April due to concerns including its "overbearing" design and scale
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The redevelopment of Phoenix Academy by White City, to include 307 homes as well as upgrades to the school, was approved by City Hall today. Decision overturns H&F Council's refusal in April. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
City Hall overrides council to approve school redevelopment and housing
Hammersmith and Fulham rejected the Phoenix Academy scheme in April due to concerns including its "overbearing" design and scale
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Drama at the City of London as Tim Hailes, expected to become the next Lord Mayor, withdraws from the process. Alderman Hailes said his decision was due to criminal proceedings being launched against "someone closely connected to a previous employer". www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Expected Lord Mayor withdraws citing criminal probe he's unconnected to
Timothy Hailes was expected to be elected as the Lord Mayor for 2026/27
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Fulham's The Redback was closed more than two years ago after its former operator entered administration. With a new planning application submitted, we look at what's next for the iconic West London club. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
mylondon.news
Future of closed Kiwi, Aussie and Saffa club about to become clearer
The Fulham Road club was a popular haunt for local expats and Imperial College students. A recently-submitted planning application suggests it may be preparing to open its doors once again.
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The City of London Corporation's local plan is set to proceed having been paused over concerns about the impact on the Tower of London. It is hoped the plan can be adopted before the end of the year. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Blueprint for new skyscrapers near Tower of London allowed to proceed
The City Plan 2040 was halted by the Government due to concerns about how planned tall buildings would impact the famous landmark
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Local journalism at its very best. www.mylondon.news/news/south-l...
mylondon.news
Men 'giving genitals a good wash' in leisure centre's shared showers
Sutton Council has asked operator Everyone Active to review its procedures after complaints that women and children are being confronted by men with "masses of lather"
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
MyLondon is launching a podcast! First episode of The London Brief drops later today, taking you inside City Hall and delving into topics from housing to transport. More details below. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
MyLondon's new podcast The London Brief will take you inside City Hall
From driverless taxis and Transport for London to housing and the 2028 Mayoral race, The London Brief will delve into the biggest issues in the capital
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
H&F Tory cllr Liam Downer-Sanderson has urged the local authority to "come clean" on its finances after it forecast a £14.3m overspend for 2026/27. Council spokesperson points to H&F's cost-cutting record since 2014, having reduced spending by £156m. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Hammersmith and Fulham already £14m in the red 2 months into year
Hammersmith and Fulham Conservative Councillor Liam Downer-Sanderson said the financial forecasts require "a clear explanation"
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Notting Hill Genesis has said it is reviewing its use of hotels for temporary accommodation. This comes on the back of reports including our coverage of Kelly Butler, who told us she was sexually assaulted at a Chiswick Travelodge this summer. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Notting Hill Genesis reviewing use of hotels for temporary housing
Exclusive: Kelly Butler told the LDRS she was sexually assaulted at a Travelodge earlier this year, while a man was separately jailed for a sex attack on another woman
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
H&F Council's Civic Campus a step closer to completion as a late-night licence is approved, plus provisional statements for six of the units and spaces including the new rooftop restaurant. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Flagship site including restaurants and cinema granted late-night licence
Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Civic Campus project will see a range of amenities delivered at the King Street site
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Fleet Street's Salisbury Square is one of the City's most significant projects, delivering a complex including courts and a new City of London Police HQ. Questions are however being asked about the sums spent and the deal done with Government. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Fleet Street's £634m makeover may be really bad deal for City of London
Exclusive: The Government appears to have wangled a sweet deal while the City of London Corporation is hugely out of pocket at a time when its funding is being slashed
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Reposted by Ben Lynch
Dave Comeau @davidajcomeau.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
An old Young's pub in Hammersmith that was sold, and reopened as a discount store without permission, could now become a bingo hall. The applicant has assured us it won't be operating as an adult gaming centre. Story by @benlynch07.bsky.social www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
mylondon.news
Old Young's pub that reopened as discount store may become bingo hall
LCE Property claimed the new gambling venue would be a "vital social hub" and assured the LDRS the site would not operate as an Adult Gaming Centre
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
More twists and turns in the potential future of the historic Ham Ram pub... Props to @nnhammersmith for spotting the new planning app first. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
mylondon.news
Old Young's pub that reopened as discount store may become bingo hall
LCE Property claimed the new gambling venue would be a "vital social hub" and assured the LDRS the site would not operate as an Adult Gaming Centre
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The potential introduction of traffic restrictions to Weltje Road by H&F Council is due to be opposed by neighbouring Hounslow. H&F say the trial will improve safety, with the road having become a cut-through resulting in worsening congestion & pollution. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
mylondon.news
Plan for ANPR cameras in West London cut-through to A4 sparks row
Hounslow Council has written in correspondence with residents that it will object if Hammersmith and Fulham introduces restrictions to Weltje Road
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
An approved development in H&F is to have more homes though with a reduction in affordable housing, from 35 per cent to 20. The change is policy compliant due to the Mayor of London's guidance published this year, intended to boose housebuilding. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
More homes, fewer affordable - developer changes to Fulham plan approved
The scheme by Wandsworth Bridge will now deliver 313 homes, an uplift of 37, though the affordable quota has been cut from 35 to 20 per cent
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Reposted by Ben Lynch
Dave Comeau @davidajcomeau.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
If you ever need to rent an @Enterprise car or van in Ravenscourt Road, West London, you won't have to look far. It's unlikely anyone living there will want to use the firm though, as @benlynch07.bsky.social reports www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Enterprise vans taking over parking bays in West London street
Enterprise cars and vans have been occupying bays on streets around Ravenscourt Park, leading to a backlash from locals forced to park further afield
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
New: Another London authority has said it may seek to appeal the Government's Fair Funding reforms. The City of London is looking into a potential challenge under the Sustainable Communities Act due to concerns over planned cuts to its grant funding. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Another London council seeks to challenge Government’s Fair Funding review
The City of London Corporation is one of several local authorities in the capital due to see their grant funding slashed under the reforms
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Imperial named UK University of the Year by the Times and the Sunday Times. Specific mention is made of the White City campus, a key part of H&F Council's Upstream London industrial strategy. www.thetimes.com/uk-universit...
thetimes.com
Imperial crowned UK University of the Year, beating Oxford and Cambridge
But, its president says, the competition to attract intellectually curious minds is global
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Andrew Bailey quoted in the Times saying UK must "double down" on expertise fighting economic crime. His comments come as a review into policing reforms is ongoing, with concerns City of London Police could be absorbed into the Met. www.thetimes.com/business/eco...
thetimes.com
Andrew Bailey: We need skills of City police to fight economic crime
The Bank of England governor warns of the threats of criminals using AI as the London force faces a potential merger with the Met
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
A Fulham residents group has warned against the potential suspension of parking bays for use by e-bikes on match days. No decisions yet made by H&F Council, with further rounds of consultation to follow. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
mylondon.news
E-bike changes on Chelsea and Fulham FC matchdays 'very concerning'
Hammersmith and Fulham Council could suspend car parking in some locations to free up space for e-bikes
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The Guardian today reporting on the landmark Register of British Slave Traders project. A major undertaking, it documents all of those involved from the 1560s until abolition in 1807. See the main Guardian piece below. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-i...
theguardian.com
Monarchs, MPs and merchants: the register laying bare Britain’s slave-trading past
Exclusive: New research identifies thousands who profited from trafficking enslaved Africans and traces some financial links to institutions still operating today
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A series of potential City of London housing schemes have been revealed in a paper detailing funding bids submitted with the GLA. They include hundreds of homes at Avondale in S. London. All subject to GLA funding, to be delivered over next decade. www.mylondon.news/news/south-l...
mylondon.news
Southwark estate could see 400 new homes built in major redevelopment
The City of London Corporation has sought GLA funding for a series of housing projects including at Avondale Square Estate on Old Kent Road
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
New: Six months after it said it could not remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom, the City of London has approved a bill giving it the powers to do just that. It is expected a decision on the former prince could be made this year. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor set to be stripped of Freedom of City of London
Members of the City of London Corporation have approved a bill giving the authority the power to remove the Freedom when deemed appropriate
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
New: Enforcement action may be taken against the owners of the former Hammersmith Ram after it was transformed into a discount shop, without the necessary planning approval. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Council could force change after historic pub transformed into discount shop
The Hammersmith Ram was run by Young & Co.’s Brewery before being sold in July. Soon after, it was reopened as a discount store.
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Yesterday's decision by the City of London to continue subsidising childcare at The Aldgate School was a big one for parents, who have campaigned on this issue for over two years. Story below. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
'Huge victory' as childcare at City of London's only state school saved
Corporation members agreed to continue subsidising the provision at The Aldgate School, with one parent saying he hopes the decision “helps protect and champion this model for the future”
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A proposal to introduce Sunday parking charges in the City of London looks set to be shelved after an outcry from historic local churches. Amendments to charges the rest of the week however are recommended to be approved at a committee meeting next week. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Hallowed be thy petition as Sunday parking charges set to be shelved
Free Sunday parking arrangements are likely to be retained after an outcry by churches including St Bride's
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A group of Hampstead Heath swimmers have warned Corporation policies are turning the ponds into “an exclusive health-spa for affluent people”. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
mylondon.news
Hampstead Heath ponds 'becoming exclusive health spa for affluent people'
The Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association has written to the City of London Corporation claiming "restrictive measures" are putting inclusivity at risk
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
New: Historic England has warned the Tower of London is at risk of being added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger unless changes are made to Corporation's draft City Plan 2040. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Tower of London 'at risk' of UNESCO danger list 'unless skyscraper plan changed'
The City of London Corporation's City Plan 2040 was expected to be adopted this summer before the Government intervened to demand further hearings
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
New: The Square Mile's only state school may be keeping its childcare provision under a recommended funding deal. Parents have been fighting to retain The Aldgate School's service, with a decision is due to be made next week. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Campaign victory as City of London's only state school may keep childcare
The Aldgate School's childcare provision has been at risk since the City of London Corporation agreed to decommission the former centre
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Reposted by Ben Lynch
Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Can't get a moment's peace on this bloody planet.
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Concerns raised in H&F over the Mayor's draft London Plan targets for new Traveller and Gypsy pitches. The Plan, which is out for consultation, has H&F as down for 24 additional sites by 2036/37. Neighbouring RBKC down for...0. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Traveller site targets slammed as one borough has 73 and neighbour has 0
Hammersmith and Fulham has been given a proposed target of 24 new pitches by 2036/37, while neighbouring Kensington and Chelsea has zero
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
New: An investigation has been launched into the former Hammersmith Ram becoming a new discount store, seemingly without the correct planning permission. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
mylondon.news
West London pub turned into discount store without permission
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has confirmed it is investigating a potential breach of planning regulations after the Hammersmith Ram reopened as a shop
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The City of London has been accused of instructing staff to avoid communicating with employees at two cafes, Parliament Hill Lido & Highgate. Operator Hoxton Beach said this has posed logistical issues, especially following a break-in earlier this summer. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
mylondon.news
Café boss accuses council of ‘pettiness’ after staff 'told not to speak to them'
Staff at two popular park cafés say they are being deliberately ignored by site management even after thieves broke in and stole their cash box - the council disputes this
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
New: We can reveal further details of a forthcoming report investigating connections between the City of London Corporation and the African slave trade. The report, a preliminary version of which we have seen, describes members as 'instrumental' to the trade's early history.
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Hammersmith Civic Campus update: Popular bakery chain Gail's is set to agree a lease with H&F Council to open a café on-site. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
mylondon.news
Gail’s set to open new London café as part of Hammersmith Civic Campus
The King Street complex is to include amenities from restaurants and bars to a cinema and refurbished Town Hall
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The City of London Corporation incorrectly paid for a series of overseas trips, including a stay at a five-star Tokyo hotel, from an account partly funded by taxpayers. The mistakes were later realised, with all of the costs re-charged. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Stay at 5-star Tokyo hotel among trips council incorrectly billed
The City of London Corporation said no costs were ultimately met by taxpayers and all of the items were re-charged
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
A patient at Charing Cross Hospital had an “invasive line” incorrectly inserted during an operation in May, new papers have revealed. www.mylondon.news/news/health/...
mylondon.news
Charing Cross Hospital patient had 'invasive line incorrectly inserted'
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust apologised to the patient, who came to no harm
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Reposted by Ben Lynch
Paul Drinkwater @drinkwaterpaul.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Same here on lifts across Golden Lane Estate. These signs have now been up for so long we assume they are part of the Estate's Grade II listing!
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Residents living on the Middlesex Street Estate are being advised to carry mobile phones when using the lifts in case they get trapped. This follows one woman (not the man pictured, who is the RA Chair) finding herself stuck earlier this year. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Woman trapped in lift – now residents told to carry phones 'just in case'
Residents have raised serious concerns after a woman was trapped in a lift with a broken emergency call button – only to later see notices telling people to carry a mobile phone in case they become st...
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Soho Parish latest: Locals bid to run school with focus on creativity to save it from closure www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Locals bid to run school with focus on creativity to save it from closure
Soho Parish would ditch "restrictive" teaching styles to use art and STEM activities to engage pupils
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
New: After initially saying it could not remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom, the City of London Corporation has now confirmed it is looking to establish a process to strip the disgraced former prince of the honour. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Andrew's Freedom of City of London can be removed, it turns out
The disgraced former prince received the Freedom in 2012 via patrimony from his father, Prince Phillip
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The City of London yesterday agreed a new Memorandum of Understanding with e-bike operators, including financial penalties of up to £10k for poor parking compliance and other failures. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
mylondon.news
E-bike operators in Central London could face £10k fines under new rules
The City of London Corporation's new Memorandum of Understanding looks to introduce "stronger controls and accountability" for Forest, Lime and Voi
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New: A report into the City of London Corporation's connections to the slave trade, due to be published later this year, includes a section detailing how part of Hampstead Heath was purchased using funds indirectly connected to the trafficking of enslaved African people.
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
An Instagram post apparently shared by a Westminster Conservative member is being investigated by the party due to it featuring an ableist slur. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Westminster Tory member investigated over ableist Instagram post
As well as Deputy Chair of the local group, Natalia Awasty was a candidate in the Church Street ward at Westminster City Council's May elections
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
GMB Union members at the City of London Corporation have rejected a pay offer over concerns about proposed changes to London Weighting. Strike action is not on the table for now while the union waits for an improved offer. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
Union members in roles from Tower Bridge to Guildhall reject pay offer
A local GMB regional organiser said the City of London Corporation's proposal "fell short"
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Dave Comeau @davidajcomeau.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
An unusual one. The Chair of the London Assembly says he's effectively been accused of funding Russia's war machine by buying coffee and other small items in Ukraine during a trip. His account is being closed by First Direct permanently. Story by Kumail Jaffer www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
London Assembly Chair has bank account shut after 'buying coffee' in Ukraine
Andrew Boff said he has been sanctioned because he's been flagged as potentially funding Russia's war machine with his card purchases in Ukraine
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Ben Lynch @benlynch07.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The UK's oldest synagogue, Bevis Marks, is consulting on proposed 'guiding principles'. These are intended to help safeguard its future following several high-profile battles with developers in recent years. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
mylondon.news
UK’s oldest synagogue launches guide for developers building around it
Bevis Marks Synagogue in the City of London was founded in 1701 making it Europe's oldest in continuous use
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