On Monday 23rd April, YouGov released a poll that put Boris narrowly
ahead of Ken, by 51% to 49%. It also showed that the Conservatives were now 19
points adrift from Labour in London. Even though Ken’s personal ratings hadn’t
improved, it was clear Labour voters were returning to him. Our ship was in
remarkably good shape, but the blue anchor dragging it down looked to have
continuing momentum.
Boris and the team were in despair. We had fought hard to put Ken on the
back foot and take maximum advantage of his mistakes. We had a strong message
and a positive agenda for London’s future. Yet it could all count for nothing,
thanks to the Government’s standing. Ever since the botched budget, Boris and
Crosby had been receiving almost daily messages from No.10 apologising and
asking what they could do to help. In response, more than one member of the
campaign team remarked; “They could shut up”.
As we discussed the latest poll, Boris gave a wry smile in response to
our ranting. He put forward the theory that deep down Cameron and Osborne would
be disappointed if he lost, but not for the reasons we thought. The real
reason, he explained, was because they preferred him “boring on in City Hall”
and out of their hair. This was particularly true of Osborne, he pointedly reflected.
It was the briefest flicker of a hint of his wider political ambitions – even
more striking because he would rarely raise the subject. Often, Crosby and
Harri would tease him about it in briefing sessions, to which he would allow
nothing more than a coy, slightly embarrassed smile. His analysis certainly had
a point; it would be difficult for Boris to return to Parliament before the
completion of a second term as Mayor. The triumvirate may have open channels of
communication, but at the end of the day they’re still rivals.
We resolved that all we could do was keep hammering our positive themes
on the one hand and make sure Ken’s taxes were still being talked about on the
other.
Although we were nervous during
these final days, if Boris was he didn’t show it. As we waited in the green
room before the final live TV debate of the election on ITV, Boris stood
outside gathering his thoughts. The other candidates seemed to ease off too.
Ken Livingstone held court amongst the assortment of other candidates and
advisors; loudly bemoaning the loss of a political drinking culture and how it
had made politics a duller affair. He jovially explained that he could drink a
bottle of wine and the only person that would notice any difference would be
his wife.
After
the debate, Boris and those of us with him decamped to a nearby steakhouse and
had dinner. He was feeling confident and relaxed. It was one of the rare times
that we had all switched off for a moment and just enjoyed each other’s
company. Boris opened up quite a bit, expressing his admiration for Ken as the
most resilient left wing politician of his era. Although he disliked him, he
respected his opponent.
Another behind the scenes revelation from "Victory in London - the inside story of hte Boris campaign"
Book Description
The inside story of the campaign to put Boris Johnson back
into power as London Mayor told by one of the top members of his
campaign team who was at Boris's side throughout. In 2012 the political
stakes could not be higher. After one term in office and despite
enjoying personal popularity, Boris Johnson faced an uphill battle for
re-election as Mayor of London. Buffeted by Tory unpopularity, the
toughest financial conditions in years and accusations that he was out
of touch and Mayor, Boris faced the fight of his political life. And to
top it all, he was up against Ken Livingstone, one of the most
formidable and ruthless campaigners in British politics. This is the
first and most authoritative book about Boris Johnson's re-election.
Told by an insider, it will reveal the inner workings of the campaign
and how one of the most high profile politicians in the country and his
extraordinary team pulled off an election victory that was closer than
anyone dared think. Based on an unprecedented level of access to all the
key players, including Boris himself and campaign director Lynton
Crosby, this is a must read for anyone interested in politics. * Launch
Event at Conservative Party Conference. * High profile political
bloggers will push the book * Sunday newspaper serialisation under
negotiation Social Media * The book will be "Book of the Month" for
Bretwalda for November 2012 which will involve an intensive FaceBook and
Twitter push as well as the usual book launch marketing.
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SSC Result 2016