Boris Johnson gets the friendly vote

Boris Johnson got the backing of 79% of Londoners on Thursday, winning a US style Primary, using a premium phone line. He appears to be viewed as a fresh face for the party, from the out of touch, cold-hearted view of the old party.

His rapport is easy to digest and show a friendly side to the Tories which should stretch his party's support into much needed sections of London's community. This is needed to pose a challenge to Ken Livingstone,. However their is quite a big risk that many voters will see him as a bumbling fool, rather than caring and accessible.

Johnson's air of eccentricity is a match for Ken Livingstone's, who has had some maverick policies during his time as Mayor. The race for Major is likely throw up some individualistic ideas on how to run London onto 2013.

The Liberal Democrats have yet to choose their candidate. Other candidates include John Bird, standing as an independent. 

Photo: Cropped, UCL Conservative Society (Flickr)