RAF hero snubbed as Boris keeps plinth art

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Despite backing the campaign to honour the Second World War hero during his election campaign, the new mayor has now said he has to withdraw his support for the scheme.

He will continue the existing rolling programme of contemporary sculptures. But he has promised to talk with the campaigners who want to honour Sir Keith to find an alternative position for a permanent memorial.

Sir Keith Park was a New Zealander who played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain by commanding RAF squadrons in the defence of London.

Responding in a written answer to questions, Mr Johnson described Sir Keith as "one of the greatest commanders in the history of aerial warfare".

"His brave and distinguished service should be recognised and honoured with a permanent statue in the heart of central London," he said.

"The Fourth Plinth would be a wonderful spot, but it now appears that complex planning issues would make it difficult to secure this location on an ongoing basis. There are also outstanding commitments to exhibit contemporary sculpture on the Fourth Plinth."

Munira Mirza, Mr Johnson's new cultural adviser, was previously critical of Marc Quinn's sculpture of the disabled mother Alison Lapper. She called it "preachy" and said the initiative was up for review along with other cultural projects associated with the former mayor, Ken Livingstone.

Mr Johnson has now acknowledged broad public backing for the plinth art over the last nine years. He said: "I recognise that this revolving programme has proved very popular and I welcome the important contribution it has made in shaping public debate about contemporary art. I am therefore exploring, with the Keith Park Campaign, what is the best option."

The name of the next artist to win the commission for the Fourth Plinth is due to be announced within weeks. The shortlist includes Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Anish Kapoor.

Mr Johnson also said he was a "huge supporter" of cultural events such as the Thames Festival. He has asked officers to explore whether it could include Richmond in the west and the Thames Gateway in the east.