Letter from Boris Johnson

Dear Paul,

I hope I am not normally seen as a pessimistic sort of character, but at the Mayoral election on May 3rd I am afraid I see real risks for this city.

The election comes at a critical time for London. Londoners are going through one of the most difficult periods in recent memory. Despite this, we’re making progress. Progress that would be put at risk if we were to take the wrong turn now.

When I was elected the whole budget was out of control. My determination to end the waste and mismanagement of the previous Mayor has freed up the money to pay for a strong plan for our future. We are putting that money where Londoners want to see it spent in spite of the very difficult financial circumstances.

I feel like a man who has built half a bridge. I can see the other side. I can see what needs to be done.

That is why this weekend I launched my 9 point plan that will secure Greater London’s future. It’s a plan that protects the investment we need to create jobs and will help Londoners get through these tough times.

My plan is:

• Cutting waste at City Hall – freeing up £3.5 billion for services
• Putting £445 back in your pocket by freezing the Mayoral share of council tax
• Creating 200,000 new jobs over the next four years
• Making our streets and homes safer with 1,000 more police on the beat
• Restoring 300 acres of green space and planting 20,000 street trees
• Investing £221 million to transform local high streets, supporting small businesses
• Ensuring a true Olympic legacy – 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs
• Reducing Tube delays 30% by 2015. Building Crossrail and orbital rail to link our suburbs. Extending the Bike Hire scheme
• Securing a better deal for London from No 10

That is the choice for Londoners on 3rd May. To go forward with a programme of investment and modernisation or go back to the irresponsible and unaffordable approach of Ken Livingstone.

Help me secure Greater London’s future by pledging your support: www.backboris2012.com/pledge

Best,

Boris Johnson

P.S. This really is a critical election and Londoners cannot afford to go back to Ken Livingstone. Please help us ensure Greater London continues on the right track by donating to my campaign: www.backboris2012.com/donate