Situation Filled: Bojo finds his Mojo

So London has a new major, the first conservative mayor in 30 years, Boris Johnson or BoJo as some have called him, stormed to a stunning victory late Friday evening and released weeks of pent up ebullience and repressed one liners. From a gaffe prone, affable character to a disciplined formidable opponent, there will be endless analyses on how and why he stormed to victory but ultimately he had a manifesto that appealed, a naturally open style that belied a 'beast of a man', a shrewd campaign overseen by world class political strategist, australian Lyndon Crosby, two female pr's who kept him out of mischief (henceforth known as the Trinny and Susannah of political pr), a first class kitchen cabinet that included conservative party members, communications specialists and his own wife ("behind every great man....")

The press are going to love this new era; photo opportunities and soundbites galore from an extremely colourful character with an instantly recognisable haircut. However, let's not get things mixed up. With a track record that includes Eton and Balliol, Oxford, a spell as a national journalist before becoming editor of the Spectator, Boris is no buffoon and this job is for a city that includes a renowned international financial centre, many multinational head offices and home to the next summer olympics. Capital cities are renowned for their need of a stong character, New York had Ed Koch and Guiliani, Paris had Chirac and now Delannoe. London is no different. A city likes this needs someone larger than life to run it. They might just have got that with Boris.

Situation Vacant: London Mayor

Wanted: senior executive with keen problem solving and critical analysis skills, used to working under pressure and within a broad, multi-cultural environment. Six figure salary.  I hesitate to suggest an Imim candidate although the skills base training is evident.....

London votes today for its mayor. Will Londoners retain the current mayor, Ken Livingstone, renowned for his beligerent attitude and healthy disdain of the labour party despite being one of them or will it go for the more flamboyant conservative, Boris Johnson, famous for his blond mop of hair and foot in the mouth soundbites? This video comes from Sky News. Out of context, it's difficult to comment as there's no manifesto details or 'right of reply' from the other candidates but it does give an interesting insight into the character that is 'Red Ken'.  He's looking for a third term, we'll know tomorrow.