Again, Boris Johnson fights for social justice. He backs Labour council over the "council homes for life row"

With the greatest respect,David Cameron and the Tories have not thought through the “council homes for life issue”.   Their decision can only have been made by people who either have never ever felt insecure themselves, or do not have the imagination to know what that feels like.

I also agree with Camden Council that moving people on after a few years will disrupt schooling and prevent the formation of communities.  Homes &Property reports: “ It (the Council) has decided to reject the power — granted to all local authorities under the controversial Localism Act of 2011 — to offer only short-term stays in council homes. Camden will also continue to allow the relatives of long-term council tenants to “inherit” the property.”   I’m not so sure about the necessity of allowing long term tenants to “inherit” the property.  If it is a large property, it might not be fair to let a single relative take it over when so many families need housing.

Our Mayor has always had a well developed feel for social justice.  He has struck a blow for social justice by criticising Ken Clarke’s legal aid proposals. Boris believes that cuts in legal aid will disadvantage women who suffer domestic violence.  It is worth noting that since Boris became Mayor, rape crisis centres have quadrupled.  Under Ken Livingstone, disgracefully, women were supposed to manage with only one centre., in Croydon.  Now there are centres serving north, east and west London, as well as Croydon.

Boris also opposed the government over the cuts to disability benefit.  The Mayor was concerned that the changes could lead to financial hardship and social isolation for chronically ill and disabled people, and push an already disadvantaged group deeper into poverty.

His submission stated: “While some reform may be necessary … the mayor is concerned that, if the focus of this reform is solely efficiency driven, government may fail to ensure that the needs of disabled people are adequately met.”

Among the heartfelt tributes from disability campaigners was this tweet.  “Boris Johnson, know how much we appreciate your carefully considered & supportive statement (B4 tomorrow) http://t.co/IWMwG6Q1 ”   tweeted @golookGoRead

Instead of pointless wrangles about which firemen reached the scene of the helicopter crash first, why don’t Labour journalists do the decent thing and give our Mayor some credit for the way he fights for social justice?  Funnily enough, on such vital subjects, they never have a word to say.