We have a seat on the UN Security Council and troops in conflicts around the world; and yet this year we didn’t even qualify for the European Championships
Goring walkabout
“My word, there’s Boris!” Back in the constituency in Goring-on-Thames today for a very rapid walkabout gathering the views and listening to the needs of residents ahead of this week’s election that will see a successor take over the Henley seat. Thanks for sending the picture, Brian.
Video farewell
Jacqueline Alexander shot and edited this video of Boris responding to some noisy wellwishers after his resignation: Farewell Henley The appearance was also a chance for Boris to ‘introduce’ John Howell as the chosen Conservative candidate for the by-election to be held on 26 June.
The video is also available on the Henley Standard website.
Thanks, Jacqueline!
Good-natured parting
Boris was in typical form as he used his “last few seconds” in the House to highlight some achievements. Breaking with House etiquette, the Speaker cheerfully reminded “the Mayor” that he was only allowed one supplementary question, not three, and the Prime Minister added that he was sure, “The whole House is going to miss the contributions of the hon. Gentleman, not only in speech, but in writing.” See more…
Confirmation
Boris has today officially confirmed that he is to step down as MP for Henley and a by-election will, therefore, be held.
Survey of residents
Admitting that, “these last seven years have been the happiest and most productive of my professional life,” and that he is proud not to have missed “a single constituency engagement” in the last few months, Boris has sent a survey form to constituency residents asking for feedback on issues of local importance. Known as he is for listening and for talking with people wherever he goes within the constituency, this form is intended to reach even more people so please do complete and return it. (And, of course, add your views here!)
TV skills find local use
As interested as ever in new means of communicating with constituents, Boris was delighted this week to be the Henley Standard’s interviewee for the paper’s inaugural online video. With typical onscreen energy, he acknowledged that he will soon be moving on, praised Henley for its cultural and sporting life and congratulated the paper for its reporting and technological initiative.
John Howell
In readiness for Boris standing down, it has been announced that Cllr. Dr John Howell, a former partner at City accountant Ernst and Young, was chosen from a shortlist of three. Mr Howell said it was a “huge privilege” to have been selected and he is to spend time talking with and meeting as many constituents as possible before the anticipated by-election.
Open letter to Henley constituents
Boris has posted an open farewell and thank-you to his constituents in the Henley Standard. The full text is now repeated here (click on the following line): Continue reading Open letter to Henley constituents
Boris is Mayor of London
Boris Johnson is the new Mayor of London. In a contest that has fascinated media all over the world, Boris beat his rival, the eight-year incumbent Mayor Ken Livingstone, by 139,772 votes. The election drew a record turnout by London voters, reflecting the high profile of the two main candidates.
Political commentators describe Boris as the most powerful elected Conservative politician in Britain today. As such, he has promised to work “flat out” to repay the confidence of Londoners and to make Greater London “greater still”.