MPs tell Boris to sit down as he tries to leave snow inquiry
Katharine Barney, Evening Standard02.04.09
BORIS JOHNSON was told to sit down by an MP today and answer "one more question" as he tried to escape from a transport committee meeting hearing.
The Mayor had been accused by the Labour-dominated panel of a lack of co-ordination and not having been involved in major decisions in the run-up to February's snowfall.
This resulted in London's buses - which had run even during the Blitz - being suspended for a whole day.
Instead, Mr Johnson had slept through a decision to call in night buses and was only made aware of the severity of the problems at around 6am on Monday, 2 February.
The committee chairman, Labour MP Louise Ellman, told Mr Johnson: "London virtually shut down in a way that did not happen anywhere else in the country. You did not act in accordance with your responsibility."
But Mr Johnson, who as well as being Mayor is also chairman of Transport for London, accused her of being party political and said: "I think your characterisation of events is quite wrong and smacks of party political bias. I do not have the power to stop the biggest discharge of snow we have had for 20 years.
"I do not for one minute condemn the decision of the controller to take a decision to tell all the night buses to make their way home because there were 30 accidents in the run-up to that decision."
After 40 minutes, Mr Johnson made as if to leave, saying that he had been interrogated for long enough but Mrs Ellman told him to sit down and answer one final question.
Mr Johnson said his only regret had been that the public had not been informed of the accidents and danger to bus drivers and the public for another 24hours. He said: "It's important to get the message across, as a lie will go half-way across the world before the truth has had a chance to put its boots on."
The committee also criticised Mr Johnson for not having made himself more available to them and they said he was only appearing today before them with reluctance.
Earlier, the chairman of the London Assembly transport committee and Labour Assembly member Val Shawcross had weighed in and accused Mr Johnson of being "almost entirely absent from the incident". She said: "I found it strange that the Mayor hadn't been more proactive."
But transport commissioner Peter Hendy defended the Mayor's lack of involvement and said he had sent the Mayor a text message after it became clear no buses were able to run and then had spoken to him a few minutes later. Mr Hendy said: "I don't tend to disturb people more than is necessary. There's nothing more the Mayor could do."
Reader views (46)
Boris was only elected to get rid of Ken.Dont really expect much from him,but would be nice if he got busses to run on time.
- David, london
What could Boris have done? be fair he is only a politician, he is not responsible for his own actions let alone those who work for him.
- Brian, Wiltshire
I had to drive to Birmingham that day as I had to collect my father as we had flights booked. I managed to get my car out of local roads that were almost impassable due to the heavy snow fall. I live just off a bus route but I don't think the buses would have made it up the hill. Certainly small front wheel drive cars were getting stuck on the hill as it had been gritted but so much snow fell overnight that the grit made no real difference. I made it out onto a main road that had been kept clear of snow.
I must say that at no time did I think of blaming Boris but now that some are determined to make him a scapegoat, then sure I'll now blame him too! Boo Boris!
- Ultan, London
Ah, poor Boris he gets the blame for everything.
He would have been damned if he had allowed the buses to run, on what was extremely dangerous road conditions, and god forbid anyone had been killed due to a bus (either bendy or normal)skidding out of control he would have been accused of being the murdering London Mayor. IMO Boris acted on the advice of the London Transport managers and allowed the buses to not run, which was the correct measure, due to the H&S issues.
I for one enjoyed my unexpected day off, and Thank You Boris for allowing millions of us a real fun day, without having to make up an excuse!
- Mrs, London UK
Yes of course Boris is responsible, he made it snow so heavily.
These Mayoral powers are so far reaching these days.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
If Livingstone was still in power, he would have probably blamed Thatcher for the snow.
- Mike, London
The same thing happened up north in 1947 in a town run by a Tory Council. They pleaded that they didn't send out the gritters in order to save money.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
There was action. There was grit on the roads. This was the heaviest snowfall we have seen in 19 years. Most parts of the country shut down completely. There would have been no economic logic in investing vast sums of public money in a one-off freak weather incident. We are also in a recession, so it would make more sense for money to be invested wisely. Let's not forget how much public money was squandered under the Livingstone regime.
Even if Mayor Johnson had spent money on snow ploughs etc., the lefties would all be telling him off for having done that. This is such a non-argument caused by those with vicious agendas.
I'm very glad to be a Conservative. They are showing themselves to be a party of common sense. I think it's great they've rid City Hall of sleaze. We are seeing a far more accountable mayoralty.
- Fiona, London
It gets me how all these Boris supporters just defend his lack of action when as mayor of London he is meant to be in charge!
As for no buses, well when I heard the news I was stunded given the fact that buses were running past my home here on Canvey Island which can only be reached by decending steep hills, some of which are still country lanes!!
Boris is reported to have noted the snow and went to Bed, as Mayor he should have taken charge of what the situation with London would be in the morning and how can we ensure buses and trains run.
Lets just be glad he was not in charge during WWII or London would have been destroyed while NOGO BOGO slept in his bed!!
At least Boris is showing the people the attitude the Tory Party really has and so is doing all he can to keep Team GB in Number 10....Gordon must be dreaming of a white 2010!!
Boris made no compensation arrangements for bus passengers who had paid for weekly or monthly passes and did not get what they paid for and yet he is always caving in to the motoring lobby just goes to show he shows the same contempt to public transport users as Thatcher did when she questioned when adult men used public transport!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
Boris should have used the Brown excuse - "It was a GLOBAL snow problem"!
- Mike Isaacs, london
Labour are still stinging from losing power in London.So get used to it you Looney Lefties,soon you will be where you belong,on the opposition benches!!!
- Mark A, Warrington England
Boris wasn't even interested in the cancellation of all the buses, it took him until the Friday to say that it was the right decision. So much for hands on management.
The irony behind this story is that the people who were affected most by this were his loyal band of supporters in Outer London
It was the right decision, but the handling of the PR side was a disaster. This is one area where Boris is culpable.
But he is culpable in a far more important area. Part of the Mayor's role is to face scrutiny of his actions. This is not the first time he has been criticised for his actions and will probably not be the last.
If you can't take the criticism, don't take the job.
- Andrew, London W1
Well done Boris. We should all walk out on Marxist Bullies when they ask questions that even they admit (see BBC clip) are partisan. Boris should announce a review of weather preparedness for London (it works for Labour), and the problem goes away. Yawn.
- Jamal Akhbar, Edinburgh
Of course Boris isn't to blame for the foul weather and the chaos thereof. By that token you might as well blame the Prime Minister for the world's earthquakes.
- Mike Coventry, Hertford GB
If all Politicians or those in power behaved like Boris Johnson no civilised nation would take England seriously and we would become known as the country for Gutter Politic's.
- Trev, London
Nice one Tango. I love you.
- J Laskey, London
It seems to me that Boris does nor suffer fools gladly nor the mechanisms that they have created. I would support him in tearing down some of the pointless muck raking and bureaucracy that symbolises the current government.
It snowed, hard. It doesn't happen often and we don't have sufficient snow clearing vehicles. It is as simple as that. Should we spend money on more snow ploughs for a once in a decade 2 day event? Who knows but I'd have walked out of that meeting too.
- Bruce, London
Question to the loony left...why didn't Livingstone buy the necessary equipment and get a master plan in place after the last big snow fall in preparation for this one?
- Dereck, London, England
I'm sure the Committee lady probably flew off on her broomstick afterwards. They seemed like a bunch of toxic, biased, socialist toads who looked puffed up on skulduggery. It snowed. It happens. Good on Boris for walking out and getting on with the job of running London, instead of watching them stir their cauldron of malice.
- Fiona, London
I think it's fair to say that having a full fleet of snowploughs in readiness for a once-in-a-decade event is not a good use of money. But it's not beyond the wit of man to devise plough attachments to fit on to the front of existing heavy road vehicles already owned by the public sector, such as dustcarts...or buses!
- Mdj E10, london uk
#Fiona
I'm not even remotely interested in why he was called to the Committe which, incidentally, was not made up wholly of Labour MPs. All HoC was simply commenting on Boris's attitude when he is questioned about anything relating to his role as Mayor, particularly if there is a question that he finds difficult or is unwilling to answer. Boris also swore. Despite the BBC's efforts to bleep it out, it was clearly audible. He has yet to apologise for his foul language. That is why I described him as being ignorant. I'm 71 and still old-fashioned enough to believe that when addressing a woman who is Chairing a Committee, gutter language directed at her shows a lack of respect and character. You obviously disagree with this view.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
I voted for Boris Johnson and now realise that my vote was a huge mistake and that Boris Johnson is an enormous liability. Mr Grunt your comments are completely correct.
- Miss James, London
Good on the Mayor for standing up against those bullies!
Many workers in this country are sick and tired of line managers calling staff into meetings with the intention of intimidating them. Interestingly, most of the staff they call into question are intelligent hard workers who just want to get things moving and running properly! The socialists hate it, so they bully and pick until good staff end up leaving.
Go for it Boris! You're leading the way for many of us by walking out of that villainous inquiry. This is going on in most city offices. I think it's great we have someone who is at last leading the fight against politically motivated bullying and who is not prepared to put up with this rubbish. Nice one.
- G. Franford, London
The Mayor for London Boris Johnson prides himself on Transparancy and Accountability and he also Chairs The Metropolitan Police Authority which is an enormously responsible position. Why the hell does he behave like An Educated Thug and set a bad example to The Youth of London by acting like it is cool to swear and be arrogant. To be honest, I am extremely shocked after all the recent incidents he is allowed to Chair on The Metropolitan Police Authority. Boris Johnson should be assessed for his suitability to hold such a responsible position before he turns The Metropolitan Police Authority into a laughing stock. Lastly a bad Mayoralty is not good for London. Boris Johnson should take a break and think about his behaviour before real harm is done. Thank You.
- Mr Grunt, Bath
Boris is to blame for snow falling; Gordon Brown IS NOT to blame for bankrupting the country.
Both of these statements are spouted by left-leaning MPs, and neither are true.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland
#Val,
It was evident to many people that this pathetic, draconian "snow inquiry" was just another way to have a bash at a Conservative Mayor. Many people recognise this.
There was no arrogance on the part of the Mayor. The Committee didn't even offer suggestions on how the situation could have been improved. They were only there to bash in a twisted manner and it certainly showed. Also, those questioning him were all Labour. It seemed very wrong and very politically biased. The Committee was therefore totally disrespectful and a disgrace. Furthermore, the question they asked him on timing was irrelevant. The snow was falling very heavily and what on earth did they expect to happen - that Boris should catch it from the top of City Hall in a bucket! Get real!
Measures were in place and the roads were gritted. Most of the rest of the country was struggling to cope. Yes, it was a difficult few days, but it was difficult in many parts of the country.
It seems sinister for this Committee to launch a "snow inquiry" and waste so much time on the matter. They clearly don't care enough about the country to be getting on with their own jobs. A total insult to Londoners.
Absolutely right that Boris put this to one side and went away to get on with the business of running London. Anyone with intelligence wouldn't have given this inquiry the time of day.
- Fiona, London
#Fiona
Ignorance comes in many forms; Boris displays his with the arrogance he shows towards anybody who has the temerity to question him in the context of his role as Mayor. All the Boris apologists, who defend him regardless, are becoming tediously predictable. It is obvious they feel they have to do this, because they can't admit they made a mistake in electing him. I don't know what Damian Green has done, and neither does anybody else. I was merely commenting on Boris' attitude when he was called before the House Committee to answer questions on his conduct following that episode. Again, he was rude, arrogant and economical with the actualite, as is his wont.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
Mark, it's because pillocks with a cause like you merely want to ridicule any Conservative. The Labour group have made quite enough mess and are only qualified to bully others and not to actually achieve anything.
- Coylum, vancouver, Canada
It is great that Boris has behaved in a totally acceptable manner in the face of the Elitist Marxist bully boys. You treat them as you should all bullies. Show them no respect and ignore them as much as possible. And as for the retarded comments on here in support of the elitist marxist bully boys - it is clear these people are sheep who need leading to the pond and then don't realise the water is stagnant.
- Tangomike, Kensington, London
My comment is why are we employing all of those over indulgent wallies to sit there asking ridiculous questions.
It SNOWED don't you know my regret is that I was not in London to enjoy it along with everybody else. Everybody has a pic of themselves on face book enjoying them selves except me.
I bet Louise Ellman used it as an excuse to take the day off and watch and episode of the Jeremy Kyle show to catch up on the progress her party has been making in the last 10 years.
Ellman probably would suggest that the Labour party invest some of our money in snow ploughs just in case it snow again in the next twenty
We've put more money in in Education, The Health Service and Snow Ploughs thank any other gove..........
- J Laskey, London
I don't live in London now but I like Boris.
He says what he thinks ( as did Ken of course).
Parliamentry sub-committees are full of placemen of all parties; there have been a (very) few distinguished exceptions.
The lady from Helsinki is the only one who made a rational comment about the bad weather.
I notice that the committee didn't respond regarding the number of accidents that night and the necessity in keeping the number down.
And where IS the police case regarding Damian Green ?
New Labour seems to have been the most corrupt government in my lifetime. The first thing they did was to break the convention regarding the party of the then new speaker. And look what he's been like compared to Betty Boothroyd, who was excellent.
- Sally70, Bedford
I increasingly think this mayor isn't going to even make it to the end of his first term.
- Steve, London, UK
As an ex bus driver having driven in all sorts of weather, I would say that the Buffoon is as usual, talking rubbish.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
Boris is bringing a sense of humour to the dull walls of politics. Good on him, he's much more fun than the rest of them. So what if he couldn't get the transport working on that day? I had a nice day off, cheers Boris.
- Paul, Knightsbridge, London
Sarahn - if Boris is doing so well, why did he mind so much being asked questions about what's he's done? Seems to me there's a real touch of arrogance about not wanting people to question his record.
- Mark, London
Fiona,
I conclude that you are a true Blue - and fair play to you. But do you consider Boris' actions to be respectful to anyone on that panel? I found him to be rude and unforthcoming of an elected representative of the people.
I think Ken, even if he had done the same, would have been recognising of his failings and looking to improve for the future.
- Dominic, London, UK
Boris gave rather a childish display today, refusing to answer quite simple questions.
This was most probably because he knew he was at fault.
However, the blinkered right will defend the blonde one to the end, their snouts wedged firmly into his regime of buffoonery.
- Jimmy, London, UK
I don't understand why Boris is to be held responsible ? He took over the leadership of Mayor for London from a political correct Labour quango. It's is they who left the system in place for snow fall procedure. I would like to think that Boris will now see the mistakes made by the previous administration and will correct it for the future. Then we can judge him.
- Joe, Swanley Kent
Absurd! He's doing well as mayor so people like Val Shawcross can't stand it.
Ken lost, get over it.
- Sarahn, London, UK
Maybe if the UK government spent more money on combatting REAL weather problems like snow, instead of on mythical weather that is fantasised by so-called "climate change", we wouldn't need witch-hunts like this.
I think the taxpayer would also rather see a few quid spent on snowploughs than £20bn on Trident 2 or yet another bank bailout. Spend money on something we need, rather than something we don't.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland
Perhaps if the councils spend some of the money from council tax on equipment the busses would have run.Until they use the money for what it is meant for instead of for their lunches and pensions not much chance of busses running in those conditions.ps,thankd Richmond for yet another increase in tax,even though your are already one of the most expensive areas out of inner London,im sure you will manage to keep your area only for the rich.
- David, london
Val,
Meetings are acceptable, when they are not filled with hateful people with biased agendas. Incidentally, what exactly has Damian Green been accused of! The Labour weazles are no doubt desperately searching for any means possible to discredit conservatives, and it's so, so obvious. Mayor Johnson is hardly ignorant or abusive.
I can only conclude that you have your snout well and truly wedged into Labour's malicious regime.
- Fiona, UK
Evidently, this is the usual Labour witch-hunt against a Conservative Mayor. I bet the committee room was filled with Labour MPs/representatives all eager to take a swipe at a conservative.
This is a clear case of total abuse and Boris was very correct in getting up to leave the room. The roads were gritted and measures were in place. What's the Committee's problem! These people are wasting time with their hate filled intentions. Furthermore, they are wasting the Mayor's time when he could have been attending to other business. This is such an insult to Londoners.
I bet not one of them had a clue on how to prevent the snow from falling!
- Fred, UK
Excuse me, but have you forgotten the snow storm of 2003 when ol' Ken was the mayor?
It took my husband over 6 hours to get home from Heathrow to London. Thousands of drivers were stuck on the road that day and night because the councils did not grit for a predicted snow storm.
What are you on about?
- Caroline, London
Oh come on !! Boris does not make decicions like that. We get snow storms like you had 2-3 times a week. However we have snow ploughs and blowers etc. that run all night long. We go to work and school etc as usual.
Methinks it was wise to leave buses in their depots as doubledeckers full of people would be lethal in an accident on roads without proper snow clearing. Drivers, tyres and roads just could not cope in such weather.
- Lasse Koivisto, Helsinki, Finland
In fact Boris Johnson actually left the meeting which, by the way, is made up of MPs from all parties. As a former MP, he knows this is totally unacceptable behaviour. He behaved in exactly the same way when he had to answer questions at a similar HoC committee on the Damian Green affair. But that's Boris, isn't it? He can't bear to be criticised or brought to book. He thinks rules are for the little people and shows his arrogance in this regard. He is ignorant and abusive and his name-calling does him no credit at all.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain
Afternoon:
14°c









