Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1980s
Under the Conservative Thatcher government, the gap between rich and poor grows.
Homelessness returns to London in a big way and London's governing body, the GLC, is
abolished, leaving London as the only European city without a directly elected body.
2000
London gets to vote for its own Mayor (Ken Livingstone) and its elected assembly. Lon-
don's national museums introduce free entry, the London Eye enhances the city's skyline
and the Millennium Dome opens for one year, and proves a critical and financial flop.
2005
A day after London is awarded the 2012 Olympics, on July 7, the city is hit by four suicide
bombers who kill themselves and over fifty commuters in four separate explosions.
2008
Conservative candidate Boris Johnson defeats Ken Livingstone and becomes Mayor.
2012
London hosts the Olympic games.