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Who's in and who's out
Gideon Spanier23 Feb 2009
Our annual magazine chronicles London's power-brokers and agenda-setters. However, influence can shift quickly. Gideon Spanier looks at who's in and who's out.
Recession-buster
Running London
Merrick Cockell, 51
Council leader, Kensington & Chelsea
He has come up with an innovative plan to make thousands of parking spaces free in the royal borough at weekends in response to recession and competition from the new Westfield shopping centre. Cockell, an old-school Tory, is also leader of London Councils, liaising between the 33 boroughs and the Mayor.
Making moves
TV & Radio
Simon Fuller, 48
19 Entertainment, mogul
The super-agent and creator of the American Idol format has just signed a deal with ITV to develop six new global entertainment shows. The influence of Fuller, who is based in Battersea, stretches across music, fashion and sport as well as TV. His most celebrated clients are the Beckhams.
Speaking out
Education
Robin Alexander, 67
Director, Cambridge Primary Review
He led the independent government inquiry into primary education which has come up with a scathing critique that argues the “deficient” curriculum is too focused on maths and reading at the expense of history, science and the arts. The scale of his investigation makes it hard for politicians to ignore.
Online pioneer
New media
Ashley Highfield, 42
Microsoft UK, managing director
The ex-BBC executive who oversaw the launch of the iPlayer wants to revive the “Kangaroo” concept after regulators blocked BBC, ITV and C4 running their own joint “super-iPlayer” website. Highfield wants MSN to take over that role for the broadcasters as the online video has huge potential.
Feeling the squeeze
Finance
Michael Spencer, 53
ICAP, chief executive
The boss of inter-dealer broking firm ICAP has quit his second job as chairman of Numis Securities after it emerged he had used his shares as collateral for loans. His fortune was hit hard by the stock market slump — a concern for David Cameron as Spencer is a key City ally and Tory treasurer.
Under pressure
Politics
Jacqui Smith, 46
Home Secretary
There is open speculation about her political future as she faces an investigation into her £116,000 housing expenses. Smith's lack of impact at the Home Office also makes her vulnerable to other cabinet ministers jockeying for position in a future Labour leadership race.
