…judging by their story on the news that the Tories are to delay the deadline for Mayoral hopefuls.
The corporation’s coverage insists that the:
“most well-known figure to put his name forward so far is Nicholas Boles, an ally of Mr Cameron, who stood unsuccessfully in Hove at last year’s general election.”
One has to wonder how the unsuccessful Mr Boles who few London voters will have heard of can be said to be better known than the elected Assembly Member Richard Barnes.
Not only does his election as a constituency AM mean voters in two entire London boroughs will have heard of him but only a few weeks ago Barnes was at the centre of an entire day’s coverage when the London Assembly 7 July Review Committee, which he chairs, published an important and authoritative report into the failings of London’s blue light services.
I often wonder why the BBC bothers reporting devolved politics when they have such little knowledge of them.
Of course if they didn’t ignore the Assembly to the degree they do (i.e. only covering it for Mayor’s Question Time or very big reports) maybe a few more AMs would be widely known?
A Londoner Writes says
August 4, 2006 at 3:50 pmThe BBC’s coverage of the GLA is pretty awful – most of the time they ignore the Assembly and when they do coverage it’s made to look like Ken’s Merry Men.
Another Londoner says
August 4, 2006 at 3:55 pmWhy would the Assembly deserve any coverage? It’s a talking shop with no power. For once the BBC has got it right.
Anon says
August 4, 2006 at 5:29 pmI think its very presumptive to assume that two London boroughs will have heard of their assembly manner, sadly ppl just dont consider the GLA that important.
Martin says
August 4, 2006 at 6:06 pm‘Anon’ considering the IP you’re posting from you’re clearly connected in some fashion with one of the candidates so why so shy? – everyone’s welcome here 🙂
Anyhow, I think it’s fair to assume that those who voted for Mr Barnes have heard of him.
A Londoner Writes says
August 4, 2006 at 9:26 pmMartin, you complained didn’t you?
They’ve edited the story to read:
“The only nationally known figure to put his name forward so far is Nicholas Boles, an ally of Mr Cameron, who stood unsuccessfully in Hove at last year’s general election.
Others include London Assembly member Richard Barnes…”
Dick Whittingdon says
August 4, 2006 at 3:46 pmCheer up – at least you got your article up before them. (mind it doesn’t say much when they take longer and still get the facts wrong!