In light of a growing petition on Havering's status within the G.L.A., Andrew Rosindell M.P. has commented in the Romford Recorder. 

His comments were as follows: 

"This petition is clear cut evidence that the patience of the people of Havering has run thin. The undeniable reality is that my constituents are presently being subjected to a form of captivity, as hostages for political pursuits, by an unaccountable Mayor. This individual has disregarded the pleas and concerns of both the residents and businesses of Havering, and continues to further his own political experiments without regard to their well-being.

Despite the fact that Havering overwhelmingly cast their votes against Mayor Sadiq Khan in the London Mayoral election, he now wields immense powers devoid of any form of accountability, leaving London at the mercy of this zones 1-3 Mayor.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that Havering would greatly benefit from disassociating itself from the Greater London Authority and instead focus on its local priorities and policies. This would grant the borough a greater level of control over its own affairs and allow for decisions to be made that more accurately reflect the needs and interests of its residents and businesses.

If Mayor Khan wants to exclusively impose an unjust punishment of the hard-working citizens of Havering through the expansion of the ULEZ and an imposition of tax on their primary mode of transportation, it is only right that the people of Havering are given a say through a referendum.

Havering is, and will forever remain, an integral part of Essex, not a mere plaything to be manipulated by Mayor Khan."

The article can be read in full here.