This well-researched guide to the recent history of London's government retells the story of the passage of the [Greater London Authority Act] through parliament, the subsequent referendum and the eventual election of a mayor and assembly in June 2000 ... It is measured, accurate, and fair to all the participants. Perhaps the most valuable lesson can be drawn from the section comparing city management systems around the world

Steven Norris, The Financial Times

Pimlott and Rao judiciously scrutinise how [London] ended up with [Ken Livingstone]. They tease out the history of London government, and how the Livingstone regime has performed so far

Paul Barker, The Independent