On 28th
November 2011 the headline in the Evening Standard was unequivocal: ‘Four more years
of Boris, says poll.’ A Com Res poll had put Boris eight points clear of
Livingstone. It cheered Boris up immensely, but the campaign team was more
circumspect. We were of the view that it was much better to be marginally
behind – all the better to fight complacency with. Complacency was a big
problem; it would mean Conservative voters staying at home in the belief that
Boris would win, allowing Ken to sneak in by the back door by turning out his
own supporters in huge numbers. Our own internal polling had already uncovered
a big expectation that Boris would win. In an election where turnout was
everything, that was a problem. Equally, we were anxious that the sense of
complacency within City Hall was reduced as much as possible. Crosby stressed
that the headline voting intention should be taken with a pinch of salt – it
was based on an unrealistically high turnout of 51% (turnout at the last
mayoral election was a record 45%).
We looked at the detail of the poll, and it confirmed Crosby’s earlier
analysis that an election about transport could only benefit Ken.
Unsurprisingly, Livingstone’s policy of cutting fares was far more popular than
Boris’s policy of increasing them. The argument that higher fares are worth
paying for better services fell on deaf ears, with only 17% agreeing and a
massive 70% opposed. 59% felt that the priority should be keeping fares low,
even if it meant stopping upgrade work. Ken was more trusted on transport, and
a clear majority of Londoners felt that the tube had not improved under Boris
(by 37% to 30%).
The good news was that Boris led in the poll on all the other major
issues, particularly the economy and crime. There was also an interesting
finding that we would seek to capitalise on. An overwhelming majority preferred
Boris open the Olympics than Ken, by 41% to 33%. This was echoed in the focus
groups, where people felt that having such a divisive politician like Ken would
send a negative message to the rest of the world.
The campaign had to stop talking about transport, and start talking
about the other issues where Boris was stronger. However, Boris was very
unhappy about the fares situation. He hates doing anything unpopular and he was
really starting to see just how bad this issue was for him. You couldn’t blame
him – what politician would want to go into an election defending (in effect)
tax increases? He was desperately looking for a way to mitigate the pain
Londoners were feeling.
Fares had taken on a national dimension as well; with a lot of
campaigning by Labour and the unions against the planned national rail fare
increases due in January 2012. Chancellor George Osborne was coming under
pressure and he could see the damage the issue was doing to Boris. Cameron and
Osborne had made clear to Boris from the start that they would do as much as
they could to help him get re-elected, understanding the impact a defeat would
have on Conservative fortunes. As rumours circulated that Osborne might be able
to limit the damage with spare cash, Boris lobbied hard to make sure London
would be included in any relief.
Over the weekend of 26th and 27th November, it was confirmed that in the
forthcoming Autumn Statement extra money had been found to limit the national
and London fare increases. This meant Boris would be able to limit the fare
increase to inflation plus 1% instead of 2%. We greeted the news with mixed
feelings. It was a good way of emphasising one of Boris’s main strengths –
bringing home the bacon from the Treasury. But on the other hand, it wouldn’t
make that much difference and it was nothing compared to what Ken was offering.
It would only prolong a conversation we didn’t want to have. And again, it
risked allowing Ken to set the agenda.
Another exclusive behind the scenes view from the book "Victory in London - the 2012 Boris Johnson 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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