In our first podcast of 2024 we are delighted to have been joined by two excellent guests from the London Borough of Newham. James Asser - Deputy Mayor of Newham, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport and Chair of Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee & James Beckles - Chair of Newham’s Local Development Committee, member of the LLDC Planning Committee and aspiring Labour candidate for the London Assembly list In a wide-ranging conversation the Newham duo discuss the borough’s approach to development, the role of the London Assembly, the Sphere application and whether Labour’s “back the builders not the blockers” approach will propel the party to electoral success in this crucial election year for London and the UK.