'Boris is my hero, I'll vote for him': Cyclist praises mayor for riding to his rescue after road crash

Barman David Goodman, 36, has even pledged to turn his back on Labour's Ken Livingstone and vote Conservative in next May's mayoral election, to thank Mr Johnson for his help.

Mr Goodman, who works at the Windmill pub in Clapham, was cycling to meet friends for a gym session on Monday evening when he overtook the Mayor. Minutes later he was knocked off his bike when he smashed into a cab driver's opened door.

He said: "When I overtook him I vaguely recognised that it was someone familiar but didn't realise it was him. After the crash when I was lying on the street a few people stopped and had a look and then I heard the familiar voice of Boris Johnson.

"I glanced up and saw that it was Boris. He was asking what my name was, if I was okay and if I was seriously injured.

"Another guy who was a first aid-trained member of the public took over while Boris called an ambulance. He stayed around right until the paramedics turned up. Boris just kept saying 'Help is on the way' and asking 'Are you okay?' He was very comforting."

Mr Goodman was taken to St Thomas' Hospital for a check-up and was later released. He voted for Mr Livingstone in the past but says he will switch his political allegiances after the crash.

"I will vote for Boris at the next election. I'm not really a political person normally but he's my hero now and I am very grateful for his help.

"To be helped by Boris was amazing - he's a legend. Obviously he has a lot on his plate at the moment so I'm very thankful for his time. I was a little bit surprised because some people ignore you in these situations and he didn't have to stop. I've tried to find him on Twitter and Facebook so I can write to him to say thanks."

A spokesman said: "Boris is very pleased that Mr Goodman is getting better."