Mayor Johnson Eight Weeks On

From Londonist:

"Kate [Hoey], still the MP for Vauxhall, has promised to compile a 'dossier of public swimming pools and playing fields' in the capital which would seem more commendable if she wasn't at the same time kicking into the long grass a similar report commissioned by former mayor Ken Livingstone. Kate branded the two-month old document 'elitist' which does make you ponder whether Ken's team only included swimming pools with associated jacuzzis or whether Kate and Boris give short shrift to goalposts with proper nets."

Do all newly-elected political leaders spend their first hundred days re-fighting the campaign they've just won or is this a Mayor Johnson innovation? OK, I may be oversimplifying. I may even be being unkind. But the David Ross report into Olympic costs told us little that wasn't already known and there's no sign so far that the Forensic Audit Panel will break dramatic new ground. It's no good Boris's supporters carping about others focussing on his appointment procedures or exposing his imperfect grasp of detail when his administration has yet to do much that wasn't being done already.

But let's be generous. Bedding in does take time and the best bits of Johnson's programme may yet acquire clarity and substance. I'm determinedly hopeful about his plans for helping young people and eager to see Munira Mirza's cultural vision take shape. And - oh yea! - next Friday or thereabouts is going to be 21st Century Routemaster Competition Launch Day! Ding ding! Hold tight please! Can't wait!