However, Conservatives in the
Greater London Assembly were less keen.
The capital, which has the benefit of the devolved
Greater London Assembly, was able to address the issue on a regional basis and instigated the London Challenge - an initiative that offered increased funding, specialised training for teachers and the sharing of best practice.
"I'm not just talking about Members of Parliament and councillors and lords and members of the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly of Wales, the
Greater London Assembly and the European Parliament and all those parliamentarians and elected people.
Palaces, bridges, the Tower of London, and buildings once branded carbuncles by Prince Charles but now embraced as part of the city's rich architectural heritage also passed by, including the Armadillo-shaped headquarters of the
Greater London Assembly.
Conservative member of the
Greater London Assembly Roger Evans, who obtained the figures via a Freedom of Information request, called for "sting operations" to be carried out by undercover police officers to crack down on the mistreatment.
"Whenever any of these large demonstrations and marches are on it is always better for the public to keep very clear, because they can get nasty," said Richard Tracey, a
Greater London Assembly member who once served as the Sports Minister under Thatcher.
The mayor and the Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe spoke at the
Greater London Assembly early on Wednesday morning.
In England, only the
Greater London Assembly pays more.
Mr Johnson's expected victory in London was tempered by decent Labour gains on the
Greater London Assembly. Although y g turnout was a mere 32%, Labour was projected to end up with a 41% national share of votes to the Tories' 23%, enough to win an 80-seat majority at the next general election.
John Biggs, a member of the
Greater London Assembly representing the area worst-hit by the road closures, was also alarmed by the plans which also entail taking out a number of pedestrian crossings.
Within days our man was signed up as a minder and was asked to the home of BNP stalwart Richard Barnbrook, a
Greater London Assembly member.