It is official: Boris has won
James Forsyth 12:17am
It is confirmed, Boris Johnson is the next Mayor of London. Boris won by close to 140,000 votes once second preferences had been counted, a 53 to 47 margin. Boris's victory puts the icing on the cake for the Conservatives who have done better in these elections than they would have dared hope at the beginning of the week. For Boris, it is a phenomenal achievement. He has routed a politician who neither Margaret Thatcher nor Tony Blair could beat.
First Round: Boris 43, Ken 37
Second Round: Boris 53, Ken 47
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Comments
mart
May 3rd, 2008 1:05amThe BBC correspondents are saying the Boris victory speech will have taken some time and effort to write. Not sure why they thought that was an interesting comment to make.
It was a magnanimous speech, striking a very generous tone, going so far as to pay tribute to Ken as a distinguished public servant. Ken came close to reciprocating the sentiment - though he was more guarded.
At times like these I think it seems right to take people at face value. Certainly it's hard to imagine Boris faking such generosity while keeping a straight face.
BBC News (nee News 24) has interviewed Tessa Jowell, who was generous to Boris, no doubt entirely genuine. It's enough to bring a tear to your eye.
What I want is for Boris to keep his sense of humour. It would be sad if he were to lose it or to suppress it because of political considerations.
One of the things Boris has that attracts people is integrity in manner and self-expression.
Michael White has been generous and described the post-result speeches as a wholesome occasion. I agree with him.
The first properly cheerful night for the right-of-centre of politics for many a year.
His interview with Evan Davis right now is a model of good-humoured conservative politics. You need courage to maintain common sense in the face of a BBC onslaught. But he's keeping common sense.
Boris, keep hold of common sense. Keep in touch with normal people. Congratulations.
Londoner
May 3rd, 2008 1:32amEffing fantastic
David
May 3rd, 2008 1:37amThe BBC is barely disguising its hatred.
It's report constantly refers to Boris as a clown, and the interview with Evan Davies kept going on about him being shackled.
The report on Ken is a hagiography.
Water
May 3rd, 2008 9:01amMomentous indeed
Pam Haslam
May 3rd, 2008 11:05amGo Boris!
Have been watching from the wilds of Norfolk. Lets hope this is the wind of change for England.
Joanne
May 3rd, 2008 10:55pmWell Lynton Crosby proved to be very successful.
angela
May 13th, 2008 7:47pmI know it is wrong to rub stuff in but I TOLD YOU SO. I said he would win on these pages and loads of stuck up types shouted me down. I know it is not ladylike, you guys, but UP YOURS.