Rob Blackie, a lifelong Londoner, tech business advisor, and cancer survivor, is running as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London. His campaign is built on a foundation of personal resilience, community service, and a deep commitment to London's well-being.
Having campaigned in every London borough and advised former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy, Rob has a wealth of political experience. He's also known for his work against Russian propaganda through the Breaking Putin's Censorship campaign and his environmental efforts in Namibia.
Rob's mayoral campaign is driven by a desire to address serious issues facing London, inspired by his own experiences and the city's falling conviction rates for serious crimes.
Fixing the Metropolitan Police (Met): Amidst a decline in conviction rates for serious crimes, Rob aims to enhance police effectiveness, move officers from administrative roles to the frontline, and shift the focus from minor drug offenses to serious crime.
He criticizes the current state under Mayor Sadiq Khan, including reduced bus services and the problematic ULEZ expansion. Rob proposes to enhance outer London transport, prioritize safety and accessibility, and amend the ULEZ scrappage fund.
Addressing London's housing crisis, Rob plans to support new housing developments, strengthen renters' rights, and expedite the construction of homes with a focus on both private and social housing.
In response to rising intolerance, Rob intends to combat discrimination, support EU citizens post-Brexit, and address institutional racism within the Met.
Rob pledges to counter Khan's environmental shortcomings by promoting home insulation, expanding green spaces, and increasing electric vehicle charging points.
He aims to rejuvenate London's economy post-Brexit and pandemic by emphasizing London's relationship with Europe, revitalizing the nighttime economy, and fostering technological innovation. Rob's personal and professional experiences, including overcoming a violent attack and cancer, inform his approach to governance, emphasizing resilience, community safety, and economic and environmental recovery.
The Liberal Democrats of the United Kingdom are founded on a blend of liberal and social democratic ideologies. They primarily advocate for social liberalism, which supports wealth redistribution while maintaining a critical view of increased state power.
The party emphasizes the intrinsic link between liberty and equality, promoting investments and progressive taxation alongside championing civil liberties and advocating for a less centralized economy. This approach sets them apart from many European liberal parties, which often focus more on classical liberalism.
The Liberal Democrats position themselves across the centre to centre-left spectrum, fluctuating in emphasis over time. Historically seen as centre-left, they were perceived as more centrist during the Cameron–Clegg coalition era.
Economically, they often find themselves between the Conservative and Labour parties, generally leaning closer to Labour. Influential figures like Leonard Hobhouse and Anthony Crosland have notably shaped the party's ideology, particularly in aligning with Crosland's vision of social democracy.
The party is a strong proponent of constitutional reforms, advocating for a decentralized federal structure within the UK, including significant devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and English regions. They have consistently supported electoral reforms towards more proportional representation and maintain progressive stances on social issues like LGBT rights and drug reforms.
Their internationalist outlook is evidenced by their sustained advocacy for European integration, including support for the UK adopting the euro, while opposing a European army.
There is a notable ideological diversity within the Liberal Democrats, with various factions advocating different shades of liberal thought. The majority faction, the Social Liberal Forum, supports extensive social liberal policies.
Other groups like the Liberal Reform and "Orange Bookers" propose more economically liberal policies. The party has also debated but not implemented policies like all-women shortlists, reflecting ongoing discussions about equality and representation methods.
The Liberal Democrats have a history of supporting social welfare spending and economic policies that balance free market operations with social protection mechanisms. They have proposed various reforms over the years, including education investment, opposition to further privatization or nationalization, and tax reforms aimed at supporting lower-income groups while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The party has taken a strong stance on several international issues, supporting interventions where internationally lawful and advocating for responsible foreign policies regarding arms and conflict. They have been a vocal proponent of the UK's involvement in the European Union, promoting policies that enhance integration while also accommodating Eurosceptic perspectives within the party at times.