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Dave Hill

@davehillonlondon.bsky.social
20K followers 465 following 2.8K posts

Writes twice-weekly On London Extra newsletter, available from davehillonlondon.substack.com. Publishes and edits www.onlondon.co.uk. Podcasts: www.youtube.com/@DaveHillOnLondon/v…. Busy.

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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 12h
Before defecting to the Greens, Mark Blake was among the Corbynites who got control of Haringey in 2018 following a pretty ruthless pre-election deselection campaign. The 'Zionism is racism" vote has put him in a difficult position. www.jewishnews.co.uk/synagogue-re...
jewishnews.co.uk
‘We reject your assurances – you make us unsafe’: Synagogue delivers furious rebuke to Green council leader - Jewish News
'You may see no connection between the ceaseless vilification of Israel, the blood libels that you and your party regularly trot out, and the hostility to Jews in this country, but we do'
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 14h
The result doesn't *really* bear out this claim by Lucy Powell. Labour's vote share compared with Greens' was only two points bigger than for the relevant electoral wards in May local elections, pre-Burnham leadership (12, up from 10). www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Labour hails byelection win as return of leftwing voters after Starmer era
Party now polling 15 points above Greens, who had been ahead of Labour before Keir Starmer resigned as PM
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The problem for Zack Polanski is not that he didn't win the by-election - it was always pretty safe for Labour - it's that he lost control of his party to extremists and entryists and did so some time ago. Now the price is being paid.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Here it is, my deep, detailed dissection of what happened (including to the right-wing parties, which was quite revealing). Plus some bicycle policy punctures, a London Plan podcast, what NEETs need, police chase ends in pond splash, you name it: davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/on-london-... #london
davehillonlondon.substack.com
On London Extra: Holborn & St Pancras - winners, losers and what happens next
Stats, snark and speculation. Plus a London Plan podcast, bicycle policy problems, that other by-election, meeting the needs of NEETS, latest from OnLondon.co.uk and more
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I mean Andrew Feinstein. Apologies. Duh.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Now it's head down writing today's On London Extra newsletter, to contain lots more on Holborn & St Pancras, plus cycling policy problems, a new London Plan podcast and so much more. You'll love it: davehillonlondon.substack.com #london
davehillonlondon.substack.com
Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People | Substack
The politics, development and culture of the UK capital. Click to read Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Full result, showing votes for every Holborn & St Pancras candidate, on Camden Council website: www.camden.gov.uk/holborn-and-...
camden.gov.uk
Holborn and St Pancras by-election 2026 results - Camden Council
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
As this BBC graphic shows, Greens got a big share increase on GE 2024, but that's deceptive because a larger slice of non-Labour Left vote that time was taken by "Gaza Independent" Andrew Goldstein. His and Greens' combined portions totalled 29.3%. So you *could* say anti-Lab Left vote up a notch.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Pretty resounding hold for Labour in Green-led Lambeth.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
As expected, Labour won Holborn with a bit to spare. By some measures a decent result for the Greens, but they might have reached their limit. The "right bloc" - Tories, Reform & Sir Oswald Lowe's little mob - almost exactly as bad as July 2024. More on all of the above in my newsletter later.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Where *did* all those yesterday's go? www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGVE...
youtube.com
Native New Yorker
YouTube video by Odyssey - Topic
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
On the unacceptable behaviour of 'pro-Palestine' activists in a mixed, partly Jewish, London neighbourhood yesterday. What is going on inside their heads? davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/the-unacce... #london
davehillonlondon.substack.com
The unacceptable behaviour of ‘pro-Palestine’ protesters in London
The tactics, timing and campaign materials of those who targeted the Board of Deputies of British Jews were sinister and wrong
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The City of London is a prime site for struggles between high rise new development and heritage protection. The "pro-growth" side has just had a big win, but the battles will continue, as @charleswright57.bsky.social reports: www.onlondon.co.uk/charles-wrig.... #london #planning
onlondon.co.uk
City Corporation wins heritage argument, but more battles loom
Although the government came down on the side of the Guildhall over tall buildings, it doesn't mean new development will now be easy
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Kensington & Chelsea Council came up with a groundbreaking idea for better temporary housing for some of the homeless people it has responsibility for. How's it been going? @richardderecki.bsky.social has some answrs: www.onlondon.co.uk/richard-dere...
onlondon.co.uk
Will Kensington & Chelsea's bold plan to help its homeless work?
The borough's groundbreaking scheme has won praise, but implementing it is not straightforward and it isn't free of risk
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
This happened literally just round the corner from where I live: www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
bbc.co.uk
Suspected phone thief jumps in London pond during police chase
The arrest of the 21-year-old is captured on CCTV and body-worn cameras by the Met Police.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
With polling stations opening tomorrow morning, here's my long read about the Holborn & St Pancras by-election republished on my personal Substack: davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/holborn-an...
davehillonlondon.substack.com
Holborn & St Pancras by-election: Something for everyone, but not much for some
Labour expects to win, the Greens are hoping for the best and the right-wing parties have a scrap all of their own
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Forwarded to me by a friend who live close by, leaflets today put through letterboxes of homes close to HQ of Board of Deputies of British Jews, located in Camden, which was the target of a demo. Case study intimidation and viciousness of a very specific kind.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Regarding England black footballers, the commitment to England of Jamaica-born John Barnes was once, rather notoriously, called into question by ex-England player turned pundit Jimmy Greaves, who had previously sought election as a Tory councillor in Havering.
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Reposted by Dave Hill
Rafael Behr @rafaelbehr.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Column on Greens, anti-Zionism and why the people who pathologically hate something are not the most reliable people to define it accurately www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Zack Polanski had the chance to show real leadership. He blew it | Rafael Behr
A toxic debate over anti-Zionism leaves the Green leader looking like a passenger in the movement that carried him to the top, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Another plug for this from August. To win the mayoralty in 2028, the Tory candidate will need to appear very different from the national party. Would Cleverly do that? Would any candidate? Would Londoners buy it? davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/any-tory-j... Honours @lewisbaston.bsky.social
davehillonlondon.substack.com
Any Tory, James Cleverly included, will face an uphill fight to become Mayor
Most of the capital's electors lean to the liberal-Left, and the Tories have moved a long way to the Right
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
This may shock you, but crime levels on London's public transport network are very, very low. Plus why Jeffrey Archer didn't become Mayor, state of Tory candidate race, early repercussions for Greens of "zionism is racism" vote and more in my latest On London Extra: davehillonlondon.substack.com
davehillonlondon.substack.com
Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People | Substack
The politics, development and culture of the UK capital. Click to read Dave Hill On London: Politics, Places, People, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
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Reposted by Dave Hill
Lewis Baston @lewisbaston.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The Britannia Shield sounds like one of our more obscure football competitions, although winning it probably gets a team a place in Europe.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
My long read about the by-election and its various battlegrounds: www.onlondon.co.uk/holborn-st-p... Mentions @profjanegreen.bsky.social, @lewisbaston.bsky.social a bunch of politicians and one of my sons. Might also interest @robfordmancs.bsky.social
onlondon.co.uk
Holborn & St Pancras: Something for everyone, not much for some
Labour expects to win, the Greens are hoping for the best and the right-wing parties have a ruck all of their own
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
If you haven't already enjoyed listening to @jwbrown.bsky.social, do it now.
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Reposted by Dave Hill
Richard Brown @richardbrown.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
One last bump for this, which @davehillonlondon.bsky.social kindly published. OnLondon is going into hibernation from February, sad for me personally and for London. But glad that Dave, most generous of editors, will continue to write and advocate for the city. www.onlondon.co.uk/dave-hill-th...
onlondon.co.uk
Dave Hill: The future of On London.co.uk
After almost ten years running this website, it's time to make more time for all the others things I want to do
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Latest On London Extra reflects on Grenfell to end a week in which the Met submitted the last of its files of evidence to the CPS. Also contains stuff about Greens encountering the practicalities of power, the latest from On London and more: davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/on-london-.... #london
davehillonlondon.substack.com
On London Extra: Grenfell reflections
On Mix and maintenance. Plus ULEZ bomber banged up, assorted Green discomforts, Holborn & St Pancras latest, Tim Donovan on Sadiq, Richard Brown on bridges and more
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Further examples of ingenious Green Party literature put through letterboxes in Holborn & St Pancras. Note prime top left-hand corner positioning of endorsement by former London Labour MP Emma Dent Coad. #london
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Should Sadiq Khan seek a fourth term as Mayor of London? Former BBC London political editor Tim Donovan thinks not - and suspects that, in his bones, Sadiq agrees: www.onlondon.co.uk/tim-donovan-... #london #sadiqkhan
onlondon.co.uk
Sadiq Khan surely knows he shouldn't seek a fourth term as Mayor
Publicly, the three-time winner is saying he won't decide until next year, but the indications are that he won't run again in 2028
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
London cannot let its bridges keep on falling down. A thoroughly well-argued and well-informed piece by the one and only @richardbrown.bsky.social - www.onlondon.co.uk/richard-brow... #london
onlondon.co.uk
Richard Brown: London cannot let its bridges keep on falling down
The very long history of failing to properly fund and maintain these vital Thames crossings needs to be brought to an end
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Hackney Council's new Green Party administration has been warned that its "divest now" campaign promises could land them in trouble: www.onlondon.co.uk/hackney-gree... Excellent coverage by @jslondonldr.bsky.social #london #greens
onlondon.co.uk
Hackney Greens warned about 'political' actions on pensions fund
The party promised to "divest now" from companies allegedly complicit in human rights violations, but has been warned that government might intervene
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Very good from @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social. I've always watched and learned from these seven-yearly documentaries. Stirring, revealing social history: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The makers of the 7 Up series set out to prove a point about class. What they achieved is far more profound | Jonathan Freedland
The epic documentary series reveals much about the shifting social attitudes of the last 60 years – and much more about the quiet mystery of human life, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Featherhead stuffing leakage shock.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Sadiq Khan's draft new London Plan needs to get real, argues developer Nick Cuff: www.onlondon.co.uk/nick-cuff-th.... #london
onlondon.co.uk
Nick Cuff: The new London Plan needs to get real
From a developer's point of view, its draft policies do not marry up with economic practicalities
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Lots of big, bold stuff in his conference speech, but will Burnham embrace #London in his national renewal vision? My latest On London Extra. davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/on-london-... #london
davehillonlondon.substack.com
On London Extra: Will Burnham embrace London?
His bold national vision must include the capital doing well. Plus the Mayor on e-bikes (so to speak), the latest from OnLondon.co.uk and more
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Two more Green Party leaflets put through the doors of Holborn & St Pancras voters in the past few days. #london
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The deadline for applications is on Wednesday. How many will make the shortlist? www.onlondon.co.uk/dave-hill-a-... #london #conservatives
onlondon.co.uk
A third Tory has launched a mayoral bid, but will get a hearing?
Alex Challoner hopes to be picked for a shortlist that needs to show the party can confront the reasons for its unpopularity in the capital
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
You've all heard of Speakers Corner. But what about Spouters Corner? And there were other designated "free speech" locations around town too. Read a lovely piece about all that by @nilebackwards.bsky.social - www.onlondon.co.uk/elin-morgan-... #Woodgreen
onlondon.co.uk
Elin Morgan: On Spouter's Corner
Is it time for London to revive its tradition of outdoor "free speech" spaces, such as the one that existed until recently in Wood Green?
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I was in the RSPCA charity shop on Lower Clapton Road, E5, looking at books and ties. Then this happenend: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi6y... #london
youtube.com
Who's Zoomin' Who?
YouTube video by Aretha Franklin - Topic
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I was in the Hackney Jeweller on The Narrow Way, E8, getting a new strap for my watch. Then this happened: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgfX.... #london
youtube.com
Jocelyn Brown - Somebody Else's Guy (Original)
YouTube video by UnidiscMusic
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Is Sadiq Khan's housing record as bad as (some) people say? His deputy for housing thinks not. Plus buses, Lambeth's finances, vintage Selfridges footage and more: davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/on-london-...
davehillonlondon.substack.com
On London Extra: Is Mayor Khan's housing record as bad as people say?
You need to look a bit beyond the headlines. Plus on the buses, on the budget, Lambeth Lib Dems issue financial warning, Selfridges in wartime and more
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Hackney's Green Party administration has defended giving the go-ahead for a "double decant" of residents of a council housing estate undergoing a huge regeneration programme. My report on Town Hall proceedings: www.onlondon.co.uk/hackney-gree.... #london #hackney #greenparty
onlondon.co.uk
Hackney Greens defend tenant 'double decant' at Woodberry Down
The new administration has justified giving the go-ahead for residents to be moved twice in a long-running estate regeneration programme
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Is there a secret tunnel between Selfridges and where the US Embassy used to be in Grosvenor Square? Was there ever? Probably not. But maybe it's more fun not knowing: johnvane.substack.com/p/subsurface... #london
johnvane.substack.com
Subsurface Selfridges
Factual or folkloric, stories of secret or forgotten spaces beneath the famous department store exert enduring fascinations
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The numbers have fallen significantly, yet the BBC seems as obsessed with this situation as Reform, the Tories and Sir Oswald Lowe.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The pedestrianisation/transformation of Oxford Street could be a big success, but there are also dangers of unintended, undesirable consequences. Plus the (very) long awaited upgrade of South Ken station is at long last set to happen and more: davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/some-ways-...
davehillonlondon.substack.com
Some ways the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street could go wrong
Thieving, nuisance cycling and rough sleeping could all increase unless effective measures are taken. Plus a new True London podcast, South Ken tube improvements and more
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Another excellent column by @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Britain needs cash and everyone knows we should break the pensions triple lock. Where is the courage? | Gaby Hinsliff
The issue cannot be avoided any longer. Andy Burnham and his chancellor must face the fear of a pensioner backlash, and find a fair solution, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Sent to me by a friend who lives in the constituency. It adapts an argument the Greens on the London Assembly have long made, which is that they push the Labour Mayor to be bolder ("Zack will pull Labour in the right direction").
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Just back from a lunch and walk through London 2012 Olympic Park with wife, a son, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. Only nice things happened.
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Remembering 9/11 In a London square. By someone who was very much on the scene in NYC on that day 25 years ago: www.onlondon.co.uk/julie-hamill... #london
onlondon.co.uk
Julie Hamill: Remembering 9/11 in a London square
The trauma of that dark day in 2001 endures and not only in New York
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Very pleased to have had a chat with Dr Jack Brown about recent @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social research into differences between what British people think about #london and what official statistics say: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-8X... #truelondon #london #trump #farage #demographics @london.gov.uk
youtube.com
True London: How London is misperceived. With Dr Jack Brown
YouTube video by Dave Hill On London
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Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Kemi Badenoch thinks she's on to a grave injustice, complaining that Tory-run Wandsworth has no choice but to raise its Council Tax by a huge amount. But there's a bit of history to consider. It's all here, plus lots of other stuff: davehillonlondon.substack.com/p/on-london-... #london #counciltax
davehillonlondon.substack.com
On London Extra: Wandsworth, elections and Council Tax
Tories are complaining of injustice, but are they just getting an overdue comeuppance? Plus something for everyone in Holborn & St Pancras, school closures trauma and more
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