'We can't do this on our own': Southwark leader meets Mayor of London

The move follows his first meeting with the Mayor of London. 

Councillor Peter John, Southwark Council Leader, met with Boris Johnson on Friday (25 June) to update him on a wide range of issues including Elephant and Castle, Burgess Park and the regeneration of Camberwell.

Speaking after the meeting, he felt that the crucial point was that council has to be ready to take on views from everyone that has a stake in the borough.

He said: "I'm pleased that the discussions with the Mayor went well. We are facing unprecedented cuts and it is clear that if we go it alone as a council we won't be able to meet the coming challenge. That's why it is crucial that we approach every partner possible and work cooperatively with them wherever possible to make progress on everything from our major regeneration schemes to local tree planting.

"In the tough times that lie ahead we will renew the council's relationship with all of our partners, to work more closely with residents, businesses and stakeholders, to find the solutions that allow us to meet the challenges."

The council is taking radical steps to open up its decision making process to residents with the launch of a democracy task force which has been charged with finding ways to re-engage residents with council meetings. The task force has been given the go ahead to consider any option, no matter how radical, in a bid to make the meetings more accessible.

The Democracy Commission will begin by looking into the council assembly.