The Leader | Evening Standard daily

In today’s election special we bring you the latest from our newsroom, analyse the results and discuss the Prime Minister’s next steps after winning a massive Commons majority. Boris Johnson has led the Conservatives to victory, crushing Labour, breaking the ‘red wall’ and securing his position as Prime Minister. The Conservatives now have the largest majority of any government in the last 18 years, bigger even than Margaret Thatcher’s in 1983. Evening Standard Editor George Osborne, Londoner Editor Ayesha Hazarika and Associate Editor Julian Glover were following the election drama through the night, and join The Leader podcast for this special edition to offer their analysis of this seismic shift in the British political landscape. What does Boris Johnson’s enormous majority mean for Brexit and the UK economy? And what can Labour do now in the face of such a dramatic loss? Listen to the podcast to find out.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An convicted murderer named John Crilly challenged the London Bridge terror attacker with a fire extinguisher despite knowing that Usman Khan was wearing what he believed was a live explosives vest. John Crilly told the BBC he was prepared to die to protect others and insists he is not a hero. The Leader podcast spoke to our Crime Correspondent Anthony France to discuss what John Crilly shows us about the importance of prisoner rehabilitation. Boris Johnson has cast his vote - and took his dog Dilyn to the polling station. The Evening Standard today is urging everyone to make sure they vote. It’s that time of year again where theatres across the UK host a variety of different Pantomimes to celebrate the Christmas period. Our theatre critic Nic Curtis visited the Palladium theatre last night to watch ‘Goldilocks And The Three Bears’ staring a host of stars including Julian Clary and Paul O’Grady. Nic tells the Leader podcast why it’s “indecently good fun”  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the Evening Standard’s editorial today the paper urges voters to support Boris Johnson’s Conservatives on Thursday.   George Osborne – himself a veteran of multiple elections as both senior politician and editor of the Evening Standard – joins The Leader podcast to discuss why the paper supports Mr. Johnson for Prime Minister.   In the podcast, George Osborne reveals who he will be voting for – and why he might be tempted to vote for Independents David Gauke, Dominic Grieve or Anne Milton if he lived in their constituencies.   Subscribe to The Leader podcast for the best in election comment and analysis. We’re releasing an election results special on Friday, in which our senior editors will dissect the result and ask – ‘What happens next?’ TRANSCRIPT PRESENTER:                        From the Evening Standard in London, this is the Leader.  PRESENTER:                        The Leader speaks to our editor George Osborne about how the newspaper came to its decision, and how he personally will vote in an election like no other PRESENTER:                       In the very first episode of the Leader podcast, we spoke to the Standard’s Associate editor Julian Glover about the history, and purpose of the Editorial column – “It carries clear, sharp, opinions on key news stories of the day,” he told us. “to inform you and make you think…” And it was all leading up to this. On the eve of the General Election, this newspaper has traditionally backed a candidate to be Prime Minister – In December 2019… here’s what the Evening Standard thinks: ES COMMENT: This newspaper speaks for London when we say we’re unhappy with the two paths presented to us: Brexit under the Tories or national bankruptcy under Labour.  Jeremy Corbyn is manifestly unfit to hold the highest office in the land. That has been obvious since Labour made the suicidal decision to choose him as their leader four years ago. The other person who could be PM on Friday is already in Downing Street. As with all prime ministers, the traits that propelled Boris Johnson to the highest office will inevitably be the ones that eventually force him from it. While he says he wants to “get Brexit done”, he knows that cannot happen: we are condemned to years of agonising negotiation which will end in us following EU rules we no longer control. But since Mr Johnson took office this summer, he has been more focused and more serious than anyone expected. And, just maybe, he can restore to the country the optimism and confidence that was lost in that referendum result he helped deliver. When it comes to the choice between Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson, there is no contest. Corbyn would be a disaster for Britain. The Evening Standard backs Boris to remain as PM. PRESENTER:                       Shortly after the column went to print, I knocked on our editor George Osborne’s office door, and asked him how the Standard came to its decision: DAVID MARSLAND George, the Leader today starts off by saying that the newspapers unhappy with the past proposed to the people. Why is that? GEORGE OSBORNE Well, today's the day before the general election and as a newspaper, we owe it to our readers to make a recommendation about how to vote. I think newspapers that duck those choices are a bit feeble. Our newspapers that make recommendations that don't get to the heart of the matter are also a bit lame. And so we come on to make a recommendation on how to vote. But we start by explaining that, you know, fundamen...

Boris Johnson has written for the Evening Standard warning of “profound” economic damage if Jeremy Corbyn wins the election. But what about the Conservatives own plans? The Leader podcast ask the Evening Standard’s associate editor Julian Glover to take us through the Prime Minister’s proposals. A big accountancy firm called Grant Thornton has been hit with a fine of £650,000 over mistakes made in an audit of a stock-market listed company, however the identity of this company has been kept a secret. The Leader podcast spoke to the Evening Standard’s city correspondent Michael Bow who explains the background behind the story, and why the name of the company should be revealed. *** TRANSCRIPT PRESENTER Thanks for listening to The Leader you can subscribe to make sure you get the best news analysis and commentary at 4pm every day. Now, from the Evening Standard in London this… is The Leader PRESENTER Hi I'm David Marsland. Boris Johnson's written for the Standard warning of profound economic damage if Jeremy Corbyn wins the election, but what about the Tories plans JULIAN GLOVER Underneath all the noise The Conservative economic proposals are pretty modest, except for one big catastrophic thing which is Brexit. PRESENTER Associate Editor Julian Glover takes us through the PMS proposals and…. MICHAEL BOW The FRC has room to use its discretion not to name a company now one of the reasons for this is to do with public interest PRESENTER City correspondent Michael bow on the city secret this newspaper should be revealed. PRESENTER Taken from the Evening Standard’s editorial column this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment: Why stopping Jeremy Corbyn is not the same as a Tory economic plan. PART 2 PRESENTER You've probably seen this Boris Johnson recreating a scene from love actually. [CLIPS USED] BORIS JOHNSON ELECTION CAMPAIGN ‘LOVE ACTUALLY’   JEREMY CORBYN READS MEAN TWEETS “I'll bet Jeremy Corbyn will be glad when this election is over, so he can go back to wearing his commy hat. The Labour leaders reading mean tweets about himself and his spending plans.   Jeremy Corbyn isn't some kind of kind be magic grandpa. Quite the opposite in fact. Wow. Can someone tell me who Jeremy Corbyn is? the next prime minister” PRESENTER Joking aside the economy's been oddly absent from much of the election debate writing in the Standard today, the Prime Minister's trying to put it front and centre warning the damage to economic confidence would be profound if labour wins this week. Our editorial column agrees but argues Mr. Johnson has questions or his own to answer: LEADER COMMENT The poll suggests there isn't going to be a majority Labour government. So a rather more important question is what a conservative government would do to the economy, what do we know? Ignore the noise. On spending, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies says, there would be little in the way of changes to tax, spending, welfare or anything else, apart from increases announced before the campaign began for the NHS and schools. But what if the government fails to agree a trade deal with the EU by next December, a leaked document from the Brexit department described how hard it will be to agree terms for trade across the Irish border by then. Brexit is not the only uncertainty, we know that the next government will want to spend more on infrastructure. But where and how? The Conservative manifesto does not mention Crossrail too the essential line plan to run under London to take the strain off the tube. Seeing off Jeremy Corbyn's Marxist tribute act is what this week is about. But it's not the same as an economic policy. PRESENTER Associate Editor Julian Glover I did try to come up with a more clever first question on this but really, it's all about the economy issue again. Isn't it? JULIAN GLOVER Luckily in this election, it hasn't all be...

Boris Johnson is hitting Labour strongholds in the final days of this election. He says he’s taking nothing for granted despite a Survation poll showing him with a 14-point lead. In the Evening Standard, pollster Ben Page says a late swing from the Conservatives can’t be ruled out – and neither can a hung parliament. The Standard’s political editor, Joe Murphy, joins the Leader podcast from Westminster. London commuters have been counting down until the end of the RMT union’s 27 day South Western Railway strike. But more bad news came today as the RMT has threatened to continue the strike until after New Year’s Day. The Leader podcast thinks the Government should step in. Trafalgar Square became a sea of sleeping bags for the Big Sleep Out, as thousands of Londoners swapped warm beds for a night of rough sleeping to raise money for homeless charities. The Leader podcast spoke to journalists Hattie Brewis and Naomi Ackerman to tell find out why events like this are so important.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dany Cotton's departure: London’s Fire Commissioner, Dany Cotton has been forced out of service by Mayor Sadiq Khan over her “insensitive” response to the tragedy in which 72 people who died. The Evening Standard’s Ross Lydall broke the story and spoke to The Leader podcast about the meeting with Grenfell families that forced the Mayor to act. Tackling extremism: The Evening Standard has been investigating measures to prevent extremism in the UK following the London Bridge attack last week. The dreadful attack has prompted a fierce debate about sentencing - but should there be more of a priority on tackling the problem at its root? Our Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham told the Leader podcast about his special report.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Boris Johnson has made a big election pitch for London, in an exclusive interview with the Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy. Joe joins The Leader podcast to reflect on his conversation with the Prime Minister who, Joe says, was ‘laser focused’ ahead of the election which will decide the country’s fate beyond Brexit.  M&G fund hits trouble  The City regulator is facing a storm of criticism for failing to beef up its rules, after M&G, one of the country’s biggest property funds, said it was temporarily suspending dealing in its shares. Our editorial column says the excuse given – Brexit – is a flimsy one: Paris rail strikes Paris has been brought to a halt by massive strikes over pension reforms. Almost every train has been cancelled and all but five Metro lines have been shut down. The strike has also hit the Eurostar. The Leader podcast spoke to Antoinne Metten from Paris about how the city is reacting.      See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nato is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a summit in Watford, but after all these years, are the threads of the alliance starting to fray? Donald Trump's cancelled a press conference after Canada's PM Justin Trudeau was caught on camera apparently gossiping about the US President. France is asking questions about America's commitment. The Leader Podcast speaks to the Evening Standard's US correspondent David Gardner. Also, Arts Correspondent Robert Dex speaks to the Leader after the Turner Prize was given to everyone on the shortlist. Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo and Tai Shani formed a collective at the ceremony in Margate. Has the competition that likes to shock gone too far?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trump’s in town Donald Trump arrived in the UK on Monday night. He’s here for a NATO summit and will enjoy a reception at Buckingham Palace – but will not meet Boris Johnson. Our editorial today says Mr. Johnson is right to tread carefully this close to a general election, and Deputy Political Editor Nic Cecil joins The Leader podcast to explain why. Hope for brain cancer Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly adult brain tumour with 2,200 cases a year diagnosed in England. Former BBC executive Jana Bennett has spoken out to say that she is being treated for the disease and is working alongside the UK launch of the OurBrainBank app. The Evening Standard’s Health Editor Ross Lydall tells The Leader podcast how vital this initiative will be for patients and with researchers across the world – could it lead to a cure?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Flowers lay on the corner of London Bridge Walk this morning where on Friday two lives were lost due to the terror attack. Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, were attending the Learning Together programme when they were fatally stabbed by convicted terrorist Usman Khan. Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Sadiq Khan joined the vigil at Guildhall Yard this morning to honour the victims, families, emergency services and those who stepped in to help stop the attacker. Many people are understandably unhappy with how our politicians have handled this attack, and want answers. The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham explains to The Leader podcast the failures that led to the London Bridge attack – and says we should be careful to learn the right lessons. * For the next 27 days commuters on routes to Waterloo will experience disrupted or cancelled services caused by an RMT strike. On Monday morning cancellations, delays and overcrowding had already begun. South Western Railway has cancelled almost half of its usual daily schedule of around 1,800 trains.  The walkouts will last up to and including New Year’s Day with the only exceptions being December 12 for the general election, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Leader podcast spoke to Jonathan Prynn from the Evening Standard – he explains why the Evening Standard today says the strikes should be stopped. **** TRANSCRIPT PRESENTER:        You can subscribe to The Leader through your preferred podcast providers, so you never miss out, every day at 4pm. Now, from the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader. PRESENTER:        Hi, I'm David Marsland. Our intelligence services work to keep the country safe. Sometimes they can't... MARTIN BENTHAM: There are 3000 active subjects of interest as another 20,000 or so, so called close subjects of interest unless you want to go down the road of having thousands of people pursued 24 hours a day, then you can't possibly have a fail safe system of trying to detect what's when somebody is going to do something so simple. PRESENTER:        Our Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham on why failure that led to the London Bridge attack must not lead to the wrong lessons being learned. Also... JONATHAN PRYNN: Overcrowding cancellation delays, not just for one day but for 27 working PRESENTER:        The Standards Jonathan Prynn on the rail strike that's bringing misery to thousands. PRESENTER:        Taken from the Evening Standard editorial column, this is The Leader. For the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment the questions we should be asking in the wake of the London Bridge attack. PRESENTER:        The country's political leaders stood beside each other as silence fell before the bells rang at Guildhall Yard in London. PRESENTER:        Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Sadiq Khan joined members of the public individual to honour 25 year old Jack Merritt and 23 year old Saskia Jones. They were the victims of Islam calm a convicted terrorist released early on license. There are many questions over how he was able to fool authorities into letting him into London and go to the prisoner rehabilitation event Jack and Saskia were supporting. But our editorial column says the work of those two young people should not be sacrificed for political gain. ES COMMENT: Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were talented and caring young people who were helping offenders in prison return to society and give support to victims of crime. "Our beautiful talented boy died doing what he loved, surrounded by people he loved and he loved him" Mr. Merritt’s family said words full of compassion. By contrast, the r...

Several people have been injured in a suspected terror attack and a man has been shot by police at London Bridge in London. For more information as the story develops visit https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-bridge-news-live-gunshots-reports-station-a4300626.html   Met police officer, Superintendent Novlett Robyn Williams could be taken off the force after being sent, without asking, a video showing child abuse. She did not watch it, but she also did not report it. Now a former director of public prosecutions says Ms Williams should keep her job, and we agree. The Leader podcast spoke to the Evening Standard’s Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham. A fight at a Birmingham VUE cinema screening of the new London based Paramount film ‘Blue Story’ led to all Vue cinemas pulling the movie. They have now reversed that decision following a public outcry which was led by the director Andrew Onwubolu, also known as Rapman. The Evening Standard’s film critic Charlotte O’sullivan tells us why everyone should see this movie. ****** TRANSCRIPT DAVID MARSLAND Thank you for listening to The Leader and remember you can subscribe and rate us through your favorite podcast provider. As this podcast was being put together reports started coming in to the Evening Standards newsroom of an incident on London Bridge, that incident as we're recording this is still ongoing. But our journalists Suze Cooper from our audio news team is here working on the story. What do we know at this point in time? SUZE COOPER (GOOGLE NEWS) Well, we heard that just before two o'clock today police were called to London Bridge. They've now declared this a major incident. The reports initially were of gunshots. We've since found out that someone has been injured in a knife attack, possibly more than one person. As we say, this is a breaking story at the moment. We're not totally clear on all the details. And we believe a man has been shot by police at London Bridge and yeah, there's total confusion in that area of London at the moment. DAVID MARSLAND And we're seeing a lot of reaction on social media, a lot of people sharing videos and images. It does look like pandemonium over there. SUZE COOPER (GOOGLE NEWS) That's right. There's a lot coming through on social media at the moment, on Twitter. There have been videos and photos as well photos of lots of emergency service vehicles just parked up there on the bridge. Crowds of people being held back on the on the footpath there. But also a video of someone lying on the ground, kind of being tackled to the ground by police, armed police are kind of surrounding that area as well. So yeah, lots of confusion. Reports of people on Twitter kind of saying that there's an air of panic. It's very, very tense over there. Police are saying that they're now evacuating the buildings but they're doing that kind of premises by premises so people are having to stay where they are and wait until the police tell them they can leave. Borough market was the first area that they evacuated. That area was obviously very busy. It's just after lunchtime on Friday in the centre of London. DAVID MARSLAND This sort of thing always worries London. Borough Market is an area that was targeted by terrorists previously London Bridge area, London worries about these things, doesn't it? SUZE COOPER (GOOGLE NEWS) Yes. And of course we have to remember that, you know, there's kind of history of terrorist attacks happening on bridges in London in recent memory. And so something like this really does kind of get people thinking; of course, the police aren't at all saying that this at the moment is a terrorist incident. But it is certainly being labeled as a major incident. And, you know, details are coming through on it all the time. Unknown Speaker  And the response is very significant from the emergency services... Suze Cooper, thank you very much - and you can keep up to date with what's happening at Lond...

If you’re a big supporter of Labour winning the Christmas election then buckle up as it really isn’t looking too good for them. According to a survey based on YouGov polling they are headed towards a huge defeat. Things might change if there is a late surge in voter registration but so far so it looks as though they are set to lose both Kensington in London, Dagenham and Rainham which have been a big supporter of Labour for decades. It’s not that the public are enthusiastic about Boris Johnson and The Conservatives or that they aren’t looking for change. It is simply that they do not like or trust Jeremy Corbyn. The Leader podcast have spoken to The Evening Standard’s Londoner editor Ayesha Hazarika. It’s been 19 years since 10 year old Damilola Taylor was stabbed to death on his way home from a library in Peckham. Despite years of campaigning to tackle youth crime, his father Richard Herring told the Evening Standard that society has now become “normalised” to it. The Evening Standard’s Crime Correspondent Anthony France spoke to Richard about what they are doing as a family to continue Damilola’s legacy, supporting the Violence Reduction Unit in London and plans to support trainee doctors. Huge Victorian gas holders were once gleaming iron towers dotted around the city. Now they look to shape London’s skyline long after anyone can remember why they were built in the first place. One on the Old Kent Road is to be kept as the centre of a new housing development and The Leader podcast spoke to The Evening Standard’s Jonathan Prynn about what’s so special about this gas holder. *** TRANSCRIPT PRESENTER: Thanks for listening to the leader you can subscribe and rate from your favorite podcast provider. Now from the Evening Standard in London, this is the leader for PRESENTER: Hi I'm David Marsland Labour is in trouble and Jeremy Corbyn is the reason why AYESHA HAZARIKA: I've spoken to three Labour MPs this morning from all across the country. And they're dismayed but not surprised by that poll. PRESENTER: The standard’s Ayesha Hazarika explains the parties new election strategy as a major poll shows the Tories winning with a big majority also, ANTHONY FRANCE: every time he hears about a youngster being stabbed to death in London, you know, he feels it as if it's his own son. PRESENTER: Our crime correspondent Anthony France has spoken to the father of Damilola Taylor, about the family's plans to support training doctors in his son's name JONATHAN PRYNN: and it's unusual and very large when it was created. In 1891, it was the largest gas holder anywhere in the world. PRESENTER: Jonathan Prynn speaks to us about London's love of Victorian gas houses with an iconic one at Old Kent road set to be saved. PRESENTER: Taken from the evening standards editorial is The Leader, for the whole thing pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment. In a moment… Has Labour lost the election already. PRESENTER: In amongst all these Devon school children singing lovely day as Boris Johnson, no really if you listen really closely, you might just about hear that baritone joining us. *SINGING* That's probably enough of that. But Mr. Johnson can be forgiven for singing along at the photo call because it is a lovely day for the conservative election campaign and a terrible one for labour. A yougov poll shows the Tories taking 44 seats from Jeremy Corbyns party on their way to a majority of 68. There are still two weeks ago, but our editorial column says Labour is in trouble. And Jeremy Corbyn is the reason why. ES Comment: We can guess what Mr Corbynist allies will say they will blame the BBC for its coverage. They will blame the Liberal Democrats for splitting the remain vote. Even though labour doesn't back remain. They will blame voters themselves for being fooled. They will blame Blairites and Facebook algorithms, probably the Russians and the winter weather, Donald Trump ,maybe Prince ...

It has been up and down journey for Jo Swinson and the Lib Dems who are pushing hard for the party to win its first election. In the Evening Standard Michael Heseltine is giving his backing to two Lib-Dem candidates in the upcoming election and he doesn’t care if he gets thrown out of the Tories because of it. Last weekend Alistair Campbell was campaigning for the Lib-Dems too, as part his own “tactical voting strategy”. Despite the hype around the Liberal Democrats they still don’t look to be gaining actual votes. The Evening Standard's Associate Editor Julian Glover joins The Leader podcast to explain why he believes there’s a way for the party to save its election.   Benedict Cumberbatch and Cate Blanchett gave readings last night to 500 Londoners who attended the eighth annual Fayre of St James’s charity concert. The special carol singing event raised £230,000 for food waste charity The Felix Project. The event even had performances from Craig David and Beverly Knight. The Evening Standard’s Magda Ibrahim tells the Leader podcast all the gossip from backstage. *** TRANSCRIPT PRESENTER: Thanks for listening to the Leader – you can subscribe and rate through your podcast provider, and get the best news, analysis, interviews and commentary every day at 4pm. Now, From the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader.  PRESENTER: Hi, I’m David Marsland – The Liberal Democrats strode into this election with a bold claim that Jo Swinson was going to move into Number 10 next month. JO SWINSON: When I look at Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn, I am certain I could do a better job than either of them. PRESENTER: Now they’re slipping in the polls, Deputy Leader Sir Ed Davey’s admitting the removal vans aren’t being hired… so is it all over for them? Not necessarily: JULIAN GLOVER: They're the sort of forgotten one in the corner and suddenly everyone swung around and said hello, we love you Lib Dems. We're back. We're back rescue us, and the poor old Lib Dems are sagging a bit under the weight of expectations. PRESENTER: Our Associate Editor Julian Glover argues there’s a way for the party to save its election. And.. MAGDA IBRAHIM: He didn't kind of give us too much for clue about what the book is called or when it's going to be out. He just said to us yep you're the first people to actually hear it, which was quite exciting. PRESENTER:The Standard’s Magda Ibrahim takes us backstage at the Fayre of St James’s where Benedict Cumberbatch revealed a mysterious new book he’s writing.  PRESENTER: Taken from the Evening Standard’s Editorial Column, this is the Leader. For the whole thing, pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/ comment. In a moment, what’s the point in voting Lib Dem? PART 2 PRESENTER: In the Evening Standard, that grandest of Conservative Grandees, Michael Heseltine is giving his backing to two Lib-Dem candidates in this election – and he doesn’t care if he gets thrown out of the Tories because of it. Last weekend, Alistair Campbell was out campaigning for one of Jo Swinson’s hopefuls, as part his own “tactical voting strategy”. There has been a hype around the Lib-Dems… but it doesn’t seem to be transferring to actual votes; polls show them in a distant third place. And our editorial column says it knows why: ES COMMENT: Psychiatrists sometimes talk about a thing called “transference”, which is when people move old fears and fantasies onto someone new. The Liberal Democrats are suffering from it this year. Lots of former Labour and Conservative voters, and even some former MPs, would like the party to be a substitute for their old political homes and are now complaining that it isn’t.  It has a sensible but unmemorable manifesto which is being ignored. On Brexit, its stark policy of revoke looks impossible. Cut out of media coverage by rules that limit broadcasting, excluded from TV debates, and very short of trusted faces it shouldn’t really be a s...

The UK’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has said that Jeremy Corbyn is unfit for high office over his handling of anti-Semitism in the Labour party. Rabbi Mirvis said that "The way in which the leadership has dealt with anti-Jewish racism is incompatible with the British values of which we are so proud - of dignity and respect for all people. It has left many decent Labour members both Jewish and non-Jewish, ashamed of what has transpired." The Evening Standard’s Joe Murphy joins The Leader Podcast from Westminster to discuss what this means for the Labour party’s election campaign. Up to 25,000 train services — thousands more than first forecast — face cancellation in the 27-day walkout by South Western Railway (SWR) train staff which starts next Monday. Industrial action will affect all services to and from mainline Waterloo, the London’s busiest station and is predicted to cost businesses up to £400m. Strikes will disrupt commuters travelling into the city and affect Christmas party goers with some services stopping as early as 10pm. Our editorial column thinks the strike should be stopped. AFC Wimbledon has been owned by its supporters since it was set up in 2002 when the former Wimbledon FC was uprooted from south London to eventually become MK Dons. AFC Wimbledon have most recently been playing in Kingston-upon-Thames but from day one the dream has been to go back to where the fans call home – Plough Lane. If all goes to plan this is likely to happen - if they can source the money. The Evening Standard’s Simon Collings is out of the newsroom chasing the story and joins The Leader podcast.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s podcast: This morning Transport for London stripped Uber of its licence to operate in London. The news will shock the 45,000 drivers, and the many users who rely on the service. However, TFL insists that Uber is not a fit and proper company to hold an operating licence. The Leader podcast spoke to The Evening Standard’s City Hall editor Ross Lydall on why Uber should keep its license. The manifestos are out. So are the candidates, pounding the streets, knocking doors, hitting phones – all to persuade people to vote for them. The Evening Standard’s Londoner editor Ayesha Hazarika and Julian Glover, our Associate Editor, join The Leader podcast to discuss how the parties are fighting for your vote, and why it is so vital that everyone registers to vote before it’s too late. The brightest stars of the London stage gathered to celebrate the 65th Evening Standard Awards on Sunday night, with big winners including Best Actress Dame Maggie Smith and Best Actor Andrew Scott. The Evening Standard's Digital Arts editor Jessie Thompson was there for all of it and gives us her insider scoop. **** TRANSCRIPT:  PRESENTER:  Thank you for listening to The Leader, we bring you commentary and analysis every weekday at 4pm. Subscribe to make sure you get it on time and you can rate us too. From the Evening Standard in London, this is The Leader   PRESENTER:  Hi, I'm David Marsland. Transport for London has stripped Uber of its license to operate in the city. Uber has become a way of life for millions of Londoners. ROSS LYDELL: This is how people get about town, how they get the children about town. And I don't think this decision quite tallies that PRESENTER:  Our City Hall editor Ross Lydell on what that means and what happens next. The Standard calls for the service to stay on the road. Also... AYESHA HAZARIKA: Theresa May appears to be the Tory secret weapon. She's been there twice. She's now a celebrity who knew that PRESENTER:  Julian Glover and Ayesha Hazarika on how the parties are fighting for your vote as the deadline to register looms and.. SIR IAN MCKELLEN: to the rest of you luxuriating In this magnificent Frank Maxim auditorium thanks for listening to an old boy. PRESENTER:  Sir Ian McKellen scooped one of the Evening Standard Theatre awards top prizes last night who else won and what was the backstage gossip. PRESENTER:  Taken  from the Evening Standard editorial column. This is the leader of the whole thing. Pick up the newspaper or head to standard.co.uk/comment in a moment we think Uber should keep its license to drive in London. PRESENTER:  As the Christmas party season approaches, it's easy to forget the was once not so long ago a world without Uber when thousands with jam the phone lines for the mini Cab closing time for can see the hefty chunk of their bank account to flag down late Night taxi if they could find one. Uber's ride hailing app changed all that but for the second time in two years Transport for London's taken away it's licensed to operate over passenger safety fears. Uber says it will appeal and its cars remain on the road for now. Our editorial column hopes they'll stay there. ES COMMENT: TfL is playing tough. It has found that Ubers app isn't secure and that systems have allowed unauthorized drivers to upload their photos to accounts that were not theirs. Which means it says that on at least 14,000 trips, people were not insured and the driver was not the person they thought they booked. The company says the decision is extraordinary and wrong. It will appeal which means the service will keep running as Christmas approaches. It has been here before and survived. And Uber says that it has fundamentally changed our business over the last two years and are setting the standard on safety. TfL concedes. That's true. Its action, it argues is a very clear shot across the bows rather than a faithful ...