Boris Johnson is dubbed ‘pure party Viagra’ as he tops Tatler’s list of the most invited guests

But the affable London mayor’s new-found status as the country’s most powerful elected Tory politician has scored a surprise hit with the society magazine Tatler.

The 44-year-old former MP for Henley and his unassuming barrister wife Marina have topped the glossy publication’s annual list of 100 ‘most invited’ party guests.

Boris and Marina Johnson topped the Tatler list of favourite party guests, with 'Bozza' dubbed 'pure party viagra'

They may not be the most glamorous couple – or even the richest. But Boris and his first lady have beaten the more photogenic Tory Party leader David Cameron – who, with his wife Samantha, only made it to No12 – as the most wanted toffs in town.

According to the magazine, ‘the priapic Bozza is pure party Viagra" and is regularly bombarded with invitations to attend events in high-flown circles.

This growing popularity might, of course, have something to do with the Old Etonian’s reputation as a garrulous raconteur and bon viveur, as well as his unnerving ability to ‘jolly things up’ by saying the wrong thing.

But Tatler believes it also reflects a shift in the political zeitgeist. This year’s list, said the compiler Richard Dennen, is all about power, glamour and a surge of confidence.

Not quite top of the toffs:  the Camerons only made it to number 12 in the most wanted party guest list

He said: ‘There’s a fin de siècle feeling, like we’re at the end of an era. Change is in the air and everything’s turning blue.’

Mother of four Marina, who dressed in cheerful splashy florals and colourful prints while accompanying her husband on the mayoral campaign trail, makes a refreshing change from the traditionally doughty Tory wife of old.

Tatler’s editor Geordie Greig said: ‘Boris and Marina have become the most head-turning couple in Britain – and this is no longer just to do with his mad blond hairstyle.

‘He has become a folk hero in London and beyond, and his letterbox has become almost choked with invitations.’

The cover of August's Tatler listing this year's top posh party guests

Kate Middleton drops from the No1 slot she held last year during her split from Prince William. But the couple – who are very much an item again – are in second place this year.

In the Royal couple’s wake are a swathe of celebrities, aristocrats, tycoons, rock stars and socialites.

Media couple Elisabeth Murdoch (daughter of Rupert) and pr guru Matthew Freud jump in at No3. And newly engaged Hollywood actress Uma Thurman and financier Arpad Busson appear for the first time, at No4. Chelsy Davy, the party-loving girlfriend of Prince Harry, is at No27.

Other names to make the top ten include Arctic Monkeys singer Alex Turner and his girlfriend, television presenter Alexa Chung; Richard Caring, millionaire owner of The Ivy restaurant, and his wife Jackie; Russian eligible bachelor Evgeny Lebedev; fashion model Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann; and music producer Mark Ronson and his girlfriend Daisy Lowe.

The full list appears in the August edition of Tatler, which is out next week.