Commentary on The London Assembly Question Time

Boris Johnson was the most prominent figure at the London Assembly, and quite a fine figure he cut too.

I have never been particularly opposed to Mr Johnson (let's face it, he is better than Ken Livingstone), but at the same time, have never wanted to sign myself on as a full-blown Boris supporter.

After his scruffy schoolboy attire at the Beijing Olympics this summer however, I started to think that perhaps Ken Livingstone would at least have bothered to scrub up for such an important and internationally-broadcasted sporting event.

This was until I met (well, observed from the public gallery) the man himself in the suited flesh, and this time, his shirt was tucked in.

Throughout the three hours of the Assembly, our Mayor did not once lose his concentration or vivacity, and managed to inspire wit, eloquence and charm into even the most mundane of topics.

London Assembly leafy topic

One topic that was frequently referred to was the 50,000 new housing plan for the coming year. I feel strongly opposed to this plan.

London is cramped enough. On a further note, why are the government spending this much money on new houses when we are undergoing a nationwide financial slump?

If Boris really does feel as 'environmentally passionate' as he claims to, why not plant 50,000 new trees around London?

Surely this would be both cheaper and greener. They could build tree-houses rather than earth-destroying new building sites!

I did actually put this idea (the trees, not the tree-houses) to BNP party member Richard Barnbrook.

Mr Barnbrook was enthusiastic about the idea, and said that the Mayor is trying to make London a greener place to live.

Boris Johnson quotes

During the meeting, Boris Johnson spoke in the same that we used to write when he edited 'The Spectator'. That is, fantastically.

I have compiled some great Boris quotes from the London Assembly Meeting:

- Referring to the relentless traffic of buses on Oxford Street: "throbbing steel block of buses".
- "I've been growing my own cider - let me give you a bottle!"
- "Crusty old adult that I am..." (when talking about the trends of today's youth)
- "I don't see any harm in us reaching for the stars"; in reference to Sir Ian Blair being sacked and trying to create a better Met. Police Force.

It wouldn't surprise me if one day we see Boris Johnson running for Prime Minister - he definitely still has enough years left in him.

If I were living in a thriving multicultural city like London, I would want Boris up there running it, and fortunately for us, he is.

Did you know that anyone can watch the London Assembly Question Time with the Mayor each month? The next meeting takes place in November at City Hall, see here for details.