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Seb Coe denies doubts on Boris
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent20.03.08
Olympics chief Sebastian Coe was forced to deny today he was "unhappy" with the prospect of Boris Johnson becoming Mayor.
The Tory peer was reported as having doubts about the Tory candidate's ability to run London and, crucially, the 2012 Games.
Dave Higgins, chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, also denied he was "unimpressed" with Mr Johnson.
A senior aide to Ken Livingstone had told the BBC the pair were concerned about the future of the Games under a Tory administration.
However, Tory insiders suggested the Mayor's officials-were simply trying to cause trouble by casting doubts over their candidate's competence.
A spokesman for Lord Coe said: "This is complete fabrication."
A spokesman for London 2012 added: "We have had constructive and positive conversations with all three main candidates for the mayoral elections and are confident we can have a very good working relationship with all of them.
"Any suggestions to the contrary are categorically untrue. Those comments were not made."
Reader views (11)
Is there no site or a address for written mail that offers to put forward to the Olympics Committee a suggestion for the opening of the 2012 Olympics
- Elizabeth Finch, england
Question for Lord Coe: Why would Ken's aides feel they could call on your support?
- Stephanie Harwood, UK
"A senior aide to Ken Livingstone had told the BBC..."
So, an unnamed cronie of soon-to-be ex-Mayor of London has briefed the British Bias Corporation about something that may, or may not, be true. Does Ken really think that hosting the Olympics is top of Londoners' agendas anyway? He is so out of touch.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, UK
So, it's just the rest of us Londoners who think Boris (and his creepy back-room cronies) would be a disaster for London, then?
- Karli, Tottenham London
On a similar note, it's fun watching Michael Portillo trying to think of anything positive to say on BBC1's This Week. Even the Tories think that blundering Boris has got no chance.
- Charlie, Soho
who cares what lord coe think? he's an embarassment.
- Anthony Jay, london england
Ken really is getting desperate now isnīt he?
- Alex, Buenos Aires, Arg.
Yet to meet anyone confident about Boris's suitability as London mayor. Is he really the best the Tories could come up with ?
- Alan, Islington
Another reason for not voting for Ken if we needed one...
- Jim, Menton, France
Livingstones aids are like the hedge fund managers they spread rumours for their own ends. I notice they have not traced the missing millions that cannot be accounted for yet! It sounds like the people working for Livingstone are getting very worried their own jobs could be on the line.
- K Harrop, Hertford UK
Why are we even surprised any more that "Senior Aides" under Ken Livingstone can make things up with no apparent regard for the truth.
- Vince, UK, London
