With a gold in gaffes, torch handover will be his real test

Andrew Gilligan
20 Aug 2008

The Chinese may have brought us torch-wielding goons, spectacular firework displays and an atmosphere of clockwork efficiency. But now London is fighting back with its not-so-secret weapon of pure glamour, Boris Johnson.

As Boris's BA jet heads towards Beijing, the mayoral frame perched uncomfortably, if righteously, in an economy-class seat, it would be an exaggeration to say that the world's most populous nation is holding its breath. But the local Chineselanguage press has been taking an interest, and preparing its readers for what they are about to receive. And it is clear that elements of the Johnson legend have now gone global.

Boris is "known for his strong personal character", noted the official Xinhua news agency. "Like many other conservative elites, Boris studied at Eton and went to Bairael [Balliol] College of Oxford afterwards."

Xinhua explained to readers that he beat Ken Livingstone, "known as 'crazy Left' and called 'Red Ken,' " in the May election for the mayoralty. "Boris appears a lot on TV," continued the report. "He used to guest-host a BBC fun show called Did I Tell You News. Boris's funny image was so well known that some were not quite sure whether he was serious for the job when he campaigned for Mayor of London."

Longhoo.net, a popular website, gave readers a list of its favourite Boris Johnson sayings, including: "Love is a pyramid composed of bullshit and stupid deeds", "My opinion on drugs? I forgot" and "The chances of my becoming prime minister are as great as my finding Elvis Presley or being reincarnated into a tree."

As they do with their own leaders, Chinese journalists have also been dutifully reporting the statements made by visiting London officials over the marvellous ties between Beijing and London.

Boris himself is quoted in one newspaper as saying: "The Chinese people have witnessed the spectacles and joys that come from the Olympics. In four years' time they can expect to witness the same things in London."

While here, Johnson and his party are expected to hold a number of meetings with Chinese officials. They will also be having at least two press conferences, touring the Olympic village and are scheduled for a rather higherprofile visit than Gordon Brown.

But perhaps the greatest test will come on Sunday, when London 2012 puts on an eight-minute show during the closing ceremony to celebrate its taking on the mantle of the Games.

And then, almost as the final act of the festivities, London's Mayor will grasp the Olympic torch. If there is a "spectacle and joy" to be witnessed, maybe that will be it.