BORIS Johnson, MP for Henley-on-Thames, newspaper columnist, former editor of The Spectator and all-purpose political non-conformist, was yesterday chosen to represent the Conservative interest in the election for Mayor of London which will take place on May 1 next year. He won the contest, which was open to voters from all parties, from Victoria Borwick, Andrew Boff and Warwick Lightfoot, getting approximately 12'000 votes to the others' total of 4'000 in a telephone poll. It was an empty victory over three unknowns and at the same time a depressing commentary on the inability of the Conservative party to find a candidate of political weight and proven experience to run one of the most important cities in the world.
However, now that Mr Johnson has been chosen we must take him at face value. There is no doubt that he has a welcome lightness of touch as an observer of the political scene but there is as yet no evidence that he has any administrative or leadership abilities. Yet the job gives its occupant responsibilities for London's transport, planning and development, economic growth, environment, tourism and culture. The Mayor sets the annual budgets for the Greater London Authority, the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, and the Fire and Emergency services. In the runup to the 2012 Olympics the Mayor will have a key role to play. These are awesome responsibilities and should not be given to someone who is primarily a political entertainer.