Hustings action

Last night I attended the business hustings for the mayoral election, with Simon Hughes, Steve Norris and Ken Livingstone all able to talk about their platforms. But contrary to what Frank Maloney says, representatives from some of the smaller parties were present: Jenny Jones, the Green Deputy Mayor, and the Christian Alliance candidate also said a few words, though they didn't take part in the debate.

Quite a range of subjects were covered, from policing and anti-social behaviour, through to the congestion charge, bus and underground contracts and the role of the mayor and GLA in dealing with business. There was even time for a final question on the European constitution and euro.

Clear differences opened up on transport and it was at time bad-tempered between Norris and Livingstone; Simon, sitting between the two, came across as the usual Lib Dem - acting as a balanced, moderate voice. Livingstone had to defend a record and knew he wasn't among his usual supporters, while Norris tended to dominate the responses and answers - and also tried to ignore Simon by painting it as a Tory-Livingstone contest.

Alastair Stewart was quite a harsh moderator, threatening to cut off a questioner who was close to making a speech. But I never realised how short he was - perhaps because I've only ever seen him behind desk on TV.