London’s Tech Power‑Play: 2021 Mayoral Candidates Go From Pixels to Prosperity
In a virtual town‑hall that last week turned into a tech grenade‑launch, London’s top Mayoral hopefuls put their heads together on a dozen fresh‑from‑the‑faucet tech policy questions. The list came from a mix of industry veterans – Tech London Advocates, techUK, the Centre for London, London First, Here East and Plexal – and the candidates answered with high‑energy speeches that promised everything from digital‑skill boot camps to green‑electric footpaths. Below is a handy, humour‑driven recap of the key ideas. Grab a cuppa and let’s dive in!
Sadiq Khan – Current Mayor, Tech Lover Extraordinaire
- Tech as a “recover‑and‑re‑build” catalyst. Khan says tech firms can not only help London recover from the pandemic’s economic hit but also build a brighter future for everyone.
- Talent, talent, talent. He’s set a £7 million Digital Talent scheme that already hands out digital skills to young Londoners and vows to keep ramping it up.
- Regulation that’s no drag. Khan pledges to create a regulatory environment that’s friendly to innovative enterprises.
- Global spotlight. With a big eye on international promotion, Khan says he’ll keep London shining on the world stage.
- Data‑driven policing. Teaming up with boroughs, Khan plans to harness public data and tech expertise to boost digital citizenship and future‑proof public services.
Shaun Bailey – A Conservative who’ll Sprinkle a 500 % Boost on MedTech
- MedCity makeover. Bailey vows a 500 % funding lift for MedCity – a step that will nurture med‑tech startups and keep the UK’s vaccine‑booster mojo alive.
- Green‑tech gig. He wants the city to sprint to become an international green‑tech leader—green recovery that will clean up the economy and the environment.
- Walking the walk. Think “Oxford Street, but powered by your sneakers!” Pavegen tiles would bend foot traffic into off‑grid green electricity and could generate over 3,200 W per day during the chilliest nights.
- Smart city promise. Bailey declares London as “the smartest city in the world”, a pre‑lude to a techno‑future where data drones and AI routers rule the city streets.
Sian Berry – Green Swipe: Tech, Equity and a Fairer London
- Repair & redistribute. Berry wants “repair centres” on every high street to give cheap, recycled tablets to anyone who needs them.
- No City Airport; yes a tech quarter. She argues that the City Airport is pointless and proposes turning the site into a tech hub, complete with jobs, parks, and a tech‑based life.
- Basic Income + Creative Freedom. Berry would pilot a “creative autonomy allowance”, giving younger people the freedom to start entrepreneurial ventures or creative careers without a financial safety net.
- Tech for a greener, healthier city. Her rallying cry is that “building a secure future for London is best done via tech,” marrying green ambition with tech innovation.
Luisa Porritt – Liberal Democrat dashes toward a “wired” future
- 5G, gigabit & high‑street reinvention. Porritt says broadband isn’t just a luxury—it’s a prerequisite for turning rum‑ba‑dash high streets into vibrant, service‑driven communities.
- Zero‑carbon ambition. She wants tech to help London hit its zero‑carbon goal, promising partnership with local and global tech leaders.
- Israel on their side. Porritt promises to establish a tech partnership between London and Tel Aviv, merging tech talent bins and startup incubation.
- Europeans’ “London passport.” Those working in tech would receive a tangible document to prove residence, smoothing tenure for cross‑border tech employees.
Expert Take‑away: Tech Is the City’s Cardiovascular System
Tech London advocates’ Russ Shaw CBE summed up the buzz: “London is a global tech hub with a giant pulse that fuels jobs and growth, yet these candidates are still learning the rhythm.” He hopes the next Mayor will dive deep into tech, keep investors lining up, and tackle diversity and inclusion head‑on. The city needs a bold tech champion that can keep London alive and roaring on the world stage.
