I texted John Biggs this morning to ask how his first week as Tower Hamlets Mayor had been. He replied with a very workmanlike text and it suggests a breath of fresh air. Here it is:
Got rid of car. Unfroze rich mix money (subject to call in).
Moving out of the mausoleum into a far smaller space.
Restoring a space for the speaker to host guests.
Went on two visits – primary school, housing opening. Need to do more – aim to get out at least once a day.
Did first surgery. Did a tour of the building to meet staff. (Need to finish last floor next week).
Forgoing £36,000 of mayor’s salary while still at City hall.
However that is early stuff, if important. By end Monday will have a cabinet.
Try to walk to work each day. Meet interesting people.
The selfie-count is reducing as the number of people impressed by my momentary fame declines.
JB
Meanwhile, here are some photos of the grand office Lutfur Rahman had built for himself. They were sent to me by council insider who tells me it was known as the Lutfur Bunker. John Biggs refers to it above as the ‘mausoleum’.
Trial by Jeory 