The big political story this month is, of course, the change of Prime Minister.
Andy Burnham is now set to become the next Labour leader and take the keys to Downing Street.
Lots of people in Wandsworth are understandably wondering what the arrival of the 'King of the North' will mean for London. Talk of rebalancing the economy and creating a "Number 10 North" has led some to fear that London's priorities could slip down the agenda.
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From my conversations with Andy, and from what he has said publicly, I'm optimistic.
His ambition is to move power closer to the people it affects, creating an economy that is built from the bottom up rather than directed from the top down. That means giving communities more control over how money is spent and trusting local leaders to make decisions about their own areas.
That principle should apply to London just as much as it does to Makerfield.
London already has one of the finest public transport systems in the world, which inspired Greater Manchester's Bee Network. We’re a global city that attracts talent and investment from across the world. Yet compared with many major capital cities, we have remarkably limited powers over the taxes raised here and how they are spent.
More devolution for London would mean more of the money generated in London could be invested back into London's priorities.
With that will come a different approach to essential infrastructure. It's clear that Thames Water isn't delivering the service customers deserve. Andy has spoken about bringing assets such as water under greater public control, helping ensure investment goes into fixing leaking pipes, improving infrastructure and ending the scandal of sewage being dumped into our rivers.
I'm hopeful, too, that the new government will recognise when major infrastructure projects are right for local communities – and when they are not.
Hammersmith Bridge is crying out for a joined-up solution and the significant investment needed to restore this vital river crossing. Reopening it would ease congestion across south-west London, including on Putney High Street.
At the same time, ministers should listen to residents across west London who continue to oppose Heathrow expansion. Local people deserve to have their voices heard as decisions about the airport's future are made, especially when there are better candidates for airport expansion – like Manchester!
Hammersmith Bridge
There has been disappointing news on Hammersmith Bridge.
We had hoped that there would be an application for funding for full refurbishment of the bridge to reopen it to motor traffic. That will now not be possible, and funding will instead be applied for a more limited scheme that would keep the bridge open only to pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge has now been closed to motor vehicles for seven years, during which time the cost of restoring it has only increased. Meanwhile, the impact on local residents and businesses has only mounted, contributing to the traffic problems around Putney.
Still, if successful, this application would see £128 million invested in Hammersmith Bridge. I'm hopeful that it's a first step towards a full reopening.
I’ll continue to push for a joined-up approach from central government, which puts in place all of the funding needed to fix Hammersmith Bridge, and doesn’t rely on overstretched local councils being expected to pay to fix the problem.
Tideway Dinghy Derby
This month I had the pleasure of attending the Tideway Dinghy Derby.
The race begins at Putney Embankment, with sailors making their way up the Thames beneath ten bridges before turning near the Houses of Parliament and racing back upstream. River traffic was even suspended for the event.
It was a spectacular sight to see so many sailing boats on the Thames, a river more often occupied by commuter services and commercial traffic. It was the first time the event had been held since 1978 and I had one of the best views in the house: from on-board one of the boats.
The event was held to celebrate the Tideway mega sewer, an extraordinary piece of engineering which is helping to clear up the River Thames.
Thank you and well done to Ranelagh Sailing Club for organising the derby. Events like this remind us what an extraordinary asset the Thames is. I'd love to see more opportunities throughout the year for Londoners to enjoy and celebrate the beautiful river that runs through our city.
