Boris chosen for the Conservatives

This morning the Conservative Party has announced that Boris Johnson will be their candidate in the May 2008 election for London Mayor. The result follows the conclusion of the first London wide primary run by any political party.

Announcing the result of the primary, Conservative Party Chairman, Caroline Spelman said:

“I am delighted to announce Boris Johnson as the Conservative Mayoral candidate. Running a London wide open primary is a first in British politics. I would like to thank all our excellent candidates for the hard work they have put in. By opening up the process and running open hustings we have given all Londoners the chance to vote on the Conservative appointment and influence the outcome. The Conservative Party can now unite behind Boris to offer the people of London a real alternative to the misgovernment of London that we have seen for the past 8 years.”

David Cameron, Conservative Party Leader, said:

“Boris will be an excellent candidate and I know the Party will unite behind him to remove Ken Livingstone from office. It’s about time that all Londoners had the chance to vote for real change.”

Boris Johnson, Conservative candidate for London Mayor, said:

“I’d like to thank Londoners for giving me this opportunity.

“As I visited all of London’s 32 boroughs in the last few weeks, the message is loud and clear – King Newt’s days are numbered. Across London I’ve met people fed up with paying so much to city hall and getting so little in return.

“The job of the Mayor is simple - to get people to work on time, to ensure people feel safe on the streets, to help people find a place to call home, to celebrate our diversity and to champion our success.

“My determination to lead this city is stronger than ever. After seeing both the good and bad that London has to offer, I am committed to making London greater and standing up for every Londoner that invests so heavily in our city.

“I want to be a Mayor for all Londoners, from Zone 6 to Zone 1. A Mayor that will listen, will learn and will lead.”