Professor Travers (centre) is recognised at the Guildhall. Jack Brown
Professor Tony Travers received the Freedom of the City of London last week, a ceremonial award given to those who have a strong connection to the City.
Professor Travers was recognised at the Guildhall for his expertise in public finance, elections, and local and regional government.
Commenting, Professor Tony Travers said: “Researching London has a long LSE history. Professor William Robson, a protégé of Sidney and Beatrice Webb, wrote (amongst many other things) The Government and Misgovernment of London in the late1930s. He set up the Greater London Group in the 1950s to provide evidence to the Royal Commission on London Government. It paved the way for today’s version of ‘Greater London’ (which Robson had powerfully advocated) and the boroughs. The Greater London Group lives on today as LSE London, with continuing links to all parts of the city’s government.
“Many LSE colleagues have (and still do) take part in the study of London. The Royal Commission observed that “Logic has its limits and the City lies outside them”. Thus, the City of London’s traditions live on, as do LSE’s links to London’s government and its synonymous financial centre. The School will inevitably sustain its commitment to London and its people’s future”.
Professor Travers is a Visiting Professor in LSE Department of Government, Associate Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy and Director of LSE London. His key research interests include local and regional government, elections and public service reform. Professor Travers' knowledge is frequently sought by policy makers and he has advised a range of select committees and think tanks.