Retailers want the new mayor to address their concerns

The London Retail Consortium published a manifesto on Wednesday with which it will judge candidates for the next Mayor of London.

The issues they believe need addressing range from terrorism to the state of public transport.

The manifesto demands no increase in the price or extension in the congestion charge, until independent research is completed.

According to the London Retail Consortium (LRC), retail businesses employ 356,000 people in London and contribute �15.2bn to the city's economy.

'Global capital'

Luke Mayhew, chairman of the LRC, said: "The importance of retail has been understated and underrated for far too long.

"Ignoring retail will jeopardise the future of London as a global capital."

The manifesto, launched to an audience of leading retailers and politicians calls for a targeted promotion to counter concerns from overseas visitors about coming to London, particularly in the face of fears over terrorism.

The document also demands improvements in London's "inefficient and out-dated" transport system.

The LRC said it will use the manifesto to judge which mayoral candidate is offering the best package for retailers.

The mayoral elections are on 10 June.