New Year, New Boris

In what is described as a "New Year's message," Boris strikes a Cameronian note: attacking Ken for "waste" and pledging action on teen crime, he sounds like a regular Tory; emphasising an interest in housing and public transport, he sounds socially concerned; wrapping all this up in a pledge to "Give London back to Londoners," gives the package a populist, inclusive feel. Just as Cameron has had to re-brand the Conservatives nationally, Boris is re-branding himself as a Conservative Londoner. It's a new kite. Will it fly?