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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 20 July 2007

Mayoral candidate Boris Johnson has split opinion

‘Boris factor’ splits opinion

BORIS Johnson running as Mayor for London? “Do me a favour – the only thing he can run is his own image.”
So said pensioner George Durack this week – quoting columnist Polly Toynbee – on the news that Mr Johnson, President of Islington Conservative Association, is seeking the capital’s highest office.
Mr Durack, chairman of Islington’s Pensioners’ Forum, added: “Livingstone will have no problem with Johnson as an opponent.”
Ms Toynbee in a withering report in Tuesday’s Guardian said Tory leader David Cameron has made his worst mistake by agreeing to Johnson’s decision to stand.
Not a view shared with everyone in the borough, however.
Daily Mail columnist Peter Oborne from Highbury described Mr Johnson as “terrific.”
He added: “I think he will be an outstanding candidate and a breath of fresh air – I know various people have had a bash at him but it’s sheer envy.
“I worked with Boris for five years and he’s extremely smart. He’s got really charismatic leadership qualities that will generate enormous loyalty.”
Mr Oborne hoped that, if elected, Mr Johnson would bring back Routemaster buses and, like Paris, put policemen on roller skates.
Vice-president of CND Bruce Kent, speaking personally, described Johnson as a “circus turn”. He added: “He will give a great deal of entertainment but he will lose his deposit. Ken Livingstone has got a very solid reputation and is doing a really good job. He is clearly committed to London.
“Even if Boris was elected I don’t think he would be good for London. He doesn’t seem to have any policies at all.
“At least none that I’m aware of.”

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The fact that people like Toynbee, Kent and Livingstone himself are already attacking Boris heavily shows they're running scared. Finally we have a contest.
Jez B