31/03/2008

Cameron Supports Johnson In Mayoral Race

Race frontrunner Boris Johnson - who is expected to beat rival Ken Livingstone for the prestigious role of Mayor of London - has been enjoying some high level support.

The Tory candidate is being backed by party Leader David Cameron who said that Mr Johnson is "twice as charismatic and energetic" as his rival Livingstone.

At the official launch of Mr Johnson’s campaign, the Tory boss said that the current administration is "badly run" and "bogged down in corruption investigations" and that Mr Johnson was "exactly the kind of leader that London needs".

Mr Cameron added: "I don't always agree with him but I respect the fact that he's absolutely his own man. He's a proper Conservative – practical, open-minded and keen to get things done."

Mr Johnson says he has policies on the issues that really matter to Londoners, including housing, improving public transport and crime.

However, current Mayor Ken Livingstone's agenda if he is re-elected is to create 50,000 new affordable homes in London over the next three years.

Mr Livingstone said: "I am determined that thousands of young people who cannot get on the property ladder will have the chance to own their own homes."

Mr Johnson is to join Mr Livingstone and Lib Dem candidate Brian Paddick in a debate entitled: 'Who should be the next mayor?' later today.

Ten candidates will take part in the London mayoral election on 1 May.

(DS)

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