The by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip has left many feeling deflated. Victory in Boris Johnson’s home turf would have been symbolically momentous – for the Labour Party and the country.
There is little doubt that the Tories won it in part over the expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) – a policy due to be rolled out by London mayor Sadiq Khan that will impact some (but perhaps not that many) residents who rely on old, polluting cars to get around.
Fallout over the loss has sparked fierce debate about how Labour should respond. Should the party ditch its commitment to green policies on the grounds that they aren’t popular with the public?
