Lewisham wins The World Cup of London Boroughs

"'With a mere ninety break-horse-power available, progress is too leisurely to be called fast, but on the motorway in fifth gear the Megane’s slow pace really becomes a pain. Uphill runs become power-sappingly mundane, while overtaking National Express coaches can become a long, drawn-out affair.' Not my words, Carol. The words of Top Gear magazine."
- I'm Alan Partridge

The wisdom of the crowd has been harnessed. The cow has been weighed. Lewisham has been deemed the best of all possible London neighbourhoods.

Tonight, Lewisham won the World Cup of London Boroughs in a grueling encounter with the overdogs of Lambeth. Lewisham won 56% of the nearly-12,000 votes cast.

WORLD CUP OF LONDON BOROUGHS: FINAL

LEWISHAM vs LAMBETH

So it has come to this. Plucky Lewisham against the titans of the Southbank, Lambeth. Ready or not, the poll starts now!! Vote and retweet!! And may the best borough win!!

— "World" Cup of London Boroughs (@Zone1Bracket) March 21, 2018

This was the Twitter poll equivalent of England winning the World Cup by knocking out France (our neighbours Southwark in the first round), Argentina (the pampas of Camden), Germany (hipsters' favourite Hackney) Brazil (beloved by the chattering classes of Islington) and Italy (like Lambeth, littered with international icons) in the Final. An extraordinary achievement.

I've just spent the evening sitting next to the leader of Lambeth Council. Lib Peck @cllrpeck , who seemed very confident that Lambeth would overhaul Lewisham's early lead. Remember the Red Flag was written in Lewisham! https://t.co/PDqKBtuOPt https://t.co/ISUm58IE3n

— Steve Bullock (@mayorbullock) March 22, 2018

Of course, this was never really about which borough boasts the best nightlife, parks or attractions. But it was about which part of London could muster the most passion and enthusiasm from its residents. Lewisham owes its victory to the fact that its people simply wanted it more. And that's the best reason of all to win.

The greatest place to live in London is the place where the greatest number of people give a damn about their home.

Please be magnanimous in victory. They are hurting in Lambeth this evening.