Boris Watch

Try to spot the connection between the two articles that I’ve quoted from.
Here’s an extract from a 2003 New Statesman column regarding Anthony Browne:
“The Conservative Party is now committed to taking MI5 officers away from these urgent tasks and giving them the drudge work of screening applicants. Duncan Smith and Letwin must know that their [...]

Up to 28 screens are to be erected across Britain to broadcast action from the Beijing and 2012 Olympic Games. Permanent screens in Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Swansea and Waltham Forest will televise the Beijing Olympics, with others in Bristol and Norwich dependent upon planning permission.
LOCOG have stated that these screens will be part of [...]

Following a protest by 500 Tottenham residents, Boris has spoken out against the Seven Sisters redevelopment plans:
“I am appealing to Haringey Council to stop the proposed demolition of the celebrated Pueblito Paisa market in Seven Sisters.This much loved market is vitally important to the Latin American community and home to many local traders. I was [...]

Announcing the impending arrival of his budget, Boris stressed the importance of anti-crime measures:
“Crime is the number one issue for Londoners. I will build on the
early measures I have introduced such as the alcohol ban on the tube
and extra 440 safer transport police officers. Tackling the long-term
root causes of crime and violence and ensuring a [...]

At last, some news that should please truly *ahem* old skool Johnson acolytes.
Boris’s last two Telegraph columns have prompted hurt words and open invitations from Norway and Bognor.

Nick Boles faces the London Assembly:
“The laws should be changed…”
“I didn’t read the Widdecombe provisions, I have no intention of ever reading the Widdecombe provisions…”
He was advised as to their content, apparently.

Quick summary of matters arising on the 16th July of transport interest:
1) Oyster PAYG (link):
Regarding the National Rail network in London, I am hopeful that Oyster pay as you go will be able to be used on the railway south of the river from Summer 2009. [Hopeful?  What about your wonderful summit, or the fact [...]

[further perusing of Mayor's Questions leads to one from the 18th June that I missed]
Who elected these two idiots?

Question by James Cleverly
Mr Mayor, I think Ms Shawcross’ line of questioning again demonstrates the obsession that that side of the Chamber has with the micro management of every single issue [...]

Valerie Shawcross, the Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, must be wondering why she bothers.  Here’s the new open, accountable Mayor answering the question I highlighted a couple of days ago about bendy bus replacement capacity:
Q: Contracts for six bendy bus routes are due to expire next year. Can you assure users of these [...]

Boris has claimed that the transition team has eventually cost £213,000, which, he is keen to add, is significantly less than the previous prediction. However, he also admits that seven seemingly unacknowledged ‘transition consultants’ have cost £352,000. The eventual figure - which has only now been revealed - is greater than the combined annual wages [...]