Add a comment August 1st, 2007 by ThunderDragon
Ken v Boris v Lembit?
That is a potential London Mayoral race line-up, now that Lembit Opik has been floated as a potential Lib Dem candidate. This seems hypocritical of them since, if I remember correctly, the Lib Dems were making noises about the Tories having to look outside of London to find a high-profile candidate - since Henley is rather closer top London than Montgomeryshire.*
What this does show is the race to be London Mayor is lining up to be the battle of the mavericks. If Lembit is to be the Lib Dem candidate, it should make the race an interesting one. Lembit himself says: “Me, Boris and Ken would be a splendid contest. It would get a lot of interest and get the public voting as well.” And it would be - certainly a good thing for bloggers and sketch-writers!
However, Boris Johnson can easily beat those of these. Ken Livingstone has failed London in his two terms, and Lembit simply isn’t in the same league as Boris.
UPDATE: Lembit has says that he won’t run for Mayor. That’s a pity - it would really have livened up the race even more. Considering the stature of Boris and Ken, the Lib Dems are going to need someone big or just get buried.
*If I remember this incorrectly, I apologise to the Lib Dems. I’m pretty sure I haven’t, though.
Sources: The Telegraph, ePolitix
2 Comments July 16th, 2007 by ThunderDragon
Boris Johnson:
“The opportunity is too great and the prize too wonderful to miss… the chance to represent London and speak for Londoners.”
He
really is in! Excellent, and about time!
Add a comment July 13th, 2007 by ThunderDragon
It seems likely that Boris Johnson will run to be Conservative candidate for the Mayor of London, despite some confusion at the moment. You can show your support for him by adding this Facebook application to your profile page, and the button below to your blog or website. Don’ forget to join the various Facebook groups backing Boris for London Mayor as well!
There’s also “I’m Backing Boris” T-shirts being ordered by Guido, and the Boris Thong… I wonder if Chip Dale will get one?
1 Comment July 13th, 2007 by ThunderDragon
According to the Telegraph, Boris Johnson will run as a candidate for London Mayor - maybe the large amount of support on Facebook groups made him decide to throw his name into the hat?
“Boris Johnson, the Tory MP, has decided he will run as a candidate in the London mayoral contest.
An announcement from Mr Johnson, which could come as early as today, will electrify the race and pose the most serious challenge to Ken Livingstone’s hopes of winning a third term.” (The Telegraph)
This is excellent news. Boris is the man who can beat Ken. The other Tory candidates simply don’t have the necessary brand recognition. I’m sure they’re all excellent people, who would do the job admirably, but I just don’t think that they could win the election.
Boris is the right person for the job.
UPDATE: ConservativeHome reports that Boris Johnson’s website announced his candidacy… and then it vanished. So what’s going on there then?
Add a comment July 5th, 2007 by ThunderDragon
Since I wrote this post on Boris Johnson and the prospect of him standing for Mayor of London yesterday, I’ve had a bit of a rethink. He should definitely go for it!
He already has two Facebook groups urging him to go for it - Boris for Mayor, and I’m Backing Boris - and the Official Boris Johnson Facebook Group is swiftly growing in number.
Go on Boris, your country needs you!
Here’s a button to show your support for Boris:
Add a comment July 4th, 2007 by ThunderDragon
Apparently Boris Johnson is being considered as a possible Conservative candidate for the Mayor of London. Boris would certainly give Ken Livingstone a run for his money - he is well known, well-liked, and although very gaffe-prone, popular across the political spectrum. However, to do it, Boris would presumably have to give up his safe seat of Henley.
Boris would be a good Tory candidate, but I’m not sure if London mayor would be a job he would particularly relish. Personally, I would prefer him to be in the Shadow Cabinet rather than London Mayor. That is where we need someone like Boris - well known, well liked, and with a buffoon-ish charm.
UPDATE: More here.
Image hat-tip: Theo Spark
