Should Labour soon sweep to power, it will receive an unenviable economic and geopolitical inheritance. Such circumstances provide no guarantee the party would win a second term but one policy would at least secure the gratitude of millions of Londoners: finally fixing Hammersmith Bridge.
This morning, Rachel Reeves committed to working with local authorities in the capital to address the chronic issues surrounding the crossing. But the shadow chancellor declined to put a price tag on that promise. At present, there are real fears it could be another five years before the grade II* listed bridge can be reopened to cars, even if the estimated £250 million cost of mending it were found today.
