Morning:
9°c
Livingstone attacks 'George W Boris' over climate U-turns
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor29.02.08
Ken Livingstone described Boris Johnson as "George W Boris" as he unveiled Labour's attack lines against the Tories in the mayoral election.
In his speech to Labour's spring conference in Birmingham, the Mayor said Mr Johnson was a "fake" and had changed his mind on issues such as gay rights and the smoking ban.
Mr Livingstone claimed his Tory opponent-had done "more U-turns than a London black cab" to cover up his opposition to the Kyoto climate change treaty.
A string of Cabinet ministers joined in the attacks. Schools Secretary Ed Balls said Mr Johnson was "not fit" to run London, Olympics minister Tessa Jowell also attacked his views on global warming and Communities Secretary Hazel Blears highlighted his friendship with convicted fraudster Conrad Black.
An ITV poll this week put Mr Johnson ahead for the first time for 1 May's election. Mr Livingstone believes he can expose his rival as "out of touch" with Londoners. He claims Mr Johnson has "flip-flopped" over several issues as views that were popular with Telegraph readers will put off cosmopolitan voters.
The Mayor quoted an article where his rival argued that President Bush, by refusing to risk a recession by adopting Kyoto targets to cut carbon emissions, had been "doing what is right not just for America but for the world".
The Mayor declared: 'This isn't a modern politician, it's George W Boris." Mr Johnson's manifesto includes the pledge: "I will continue to work in association with other cities across the world to tackle climate change."
He said today: "I will not let these personal attacks divert me from putting across my plans for change in London. Londoners are tired of the old, out-of-date approach from a Mayor whose office is mired in maladministration."
Reader views (4)
Well the last time the Labour Party rubbished the candidate who stood against it's official candidate, (Frank Dobson, wasn't that him), he suffered a humiliating defeat.
- Tcbh, London
Livingstone of course doesn't make U-turns - after all there are no U-turns when everyone else is to blame when he gets things wrong.
- Ralph Lawson, Woolwich, London
Time for a change!
- Doug Watt, London
Negative criticism of your opponents never works Ken. Just keep to your positives, what you have done for London and how in your third term you can keep London at the forefront of sustainability. Stick to the vision of what you want to achieve and let the people decide.
- Darren, London
