Exclusive by Will Davies
MP BORIS JOHNSON could be the next mayor of London.
In a sensational about turn on Wednesday, Mr. Johnson first said that he would not run for the post as had been suggested in a report by the BBC.
Talking exclusively to the Standard, Henley’s MP for six years said that although he was flattered to be considered, there were ‘overwhelming logistical difficulties’ and that it was ‘not really a goer’.
But hours later, he said: “I am ruling nothing out. Being mayor of London would be a fantastic job and anyone who loves London would want to consider the possibility very carefully.
“I want to stress that this idea did not come from David Cameron or from anyone in his office but I have, of course, been very struck by the number of people who have been urging me to run.
“In my case there are huge obstacles — above all my commitment and responsibility to my constituency. It is hard to see how these difficulties could be overcome — but I am ruling nothing out.”
Rumours circulated after the BBC announced the MP was being considered as the possible Tory candidate to take on long-standing mayor Ken Livingstone, who is bidding to win a third term after first taking office in 2000. The election is likely to take place next year.
Peter Sutherland who, as president of Henley Conservatives for over 50 years has worked with six Tory MPs, said: “Boris is the most pleasant, sincere, dedicated and hard-working MP in my experience. If he were to go we would be most disappointed as he is an absolute delight and we’re very lucky to have him as our MP.
“However, with his abilities it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he did stand for mayor of London at some point.”
MP BORIS JOHNSON could be the next mayor of London.
In a sensational about turn on Wednesday, Mr. Johnson first said that he would not run for the post as had been suggested in a report by the BBC.
Talking exclusively to the Standard, Henley’s MP for six years said that although he was flattered to be considered, there were ‘overwhelming logistical difficulties’ and that it was ‘not really a goer’.
But hours later, he said: “I am ruling nothing out. Being mayor of London would be a fantastic job and anyone who loves London would want to consider the possibility very carefully.
“I want to stress that this idea did not come from David Cameron or from anyone in his office but I have, of course, been very struck by the number of people who have been urging me to run.
“In my case there are huge obstacles — above all my commitment and responsibility to my constituency. It is hard to see how these difficulties could be overcome — but I am ruling nothing out.”
Rumours circulated after the BBC announced the MP was being considered as the possible Tory candidate to take on long-standing mayor Ken Livingstone, who is bidding to win a third term after first taking office in 2000. The election is likely to take place next year.
Peter Sutherland who, as president of Henley Conservatives for over 50 years has worked with six Tory MPs, said: “Boris is the most pleasant, sincere, dedicated and hard-working MP in my experience. If he were to go we would be most disappointed as he is an absolute delight and we’re very lucky to have him as our MP.
“However, with his abilities it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he did stand for mayor of London at some point.”
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