Boris says awesome things...

Boris has been punching some goals in recently in his brief as Shadow Education Minister. A few days ago, the EU announced plans for the UK’s education system, a plan that Boris immediately put down as “terrifying, Orwellian” – flying in the face of Labour’s Education Minister. Then a couple of days ago, a few eagle-eyed viewers (including Boriswatchers Helen and George) joined Boriswatch in watching a China-based Newsnight piece by BoJo. Titled “Britain and the Chinese sea-turtles” – a title that is bound to intrigue – the Big Bozza highlights the 53,000 Chinese migrants coming to the UK to study at our “superior” universities and asks – with the new phenomenon of English universities branching out into China – whether the Chinese will stop coming and bring to an end the benefits ot Britain of their temporary British stay. It’s an interesting angle that is not the standard viewpoint, and as usual Boris is not afraid to stick his neck out.
It turns out he’s not afraid to stick arms and legs out too, as the end of the piece shows. Boris performing Chinese meditation moves – muttering “tricky, this” as he struggles to grasp it – is a fitting and highly entertaining end…

The delightful author Tessa Harris has forwarded me a copy of her latest article, the headline article from a magazine called Berkshire Life. In it, Boris issues a rare rebuke of the accusation that his persona is sometimes forced. “I don’t think I consciously play to the gallery, but I think we all get our mental wires crossed sometimes. My mind’s often in another place.” As if to clarify – always a bad move – he goes on, “It’s like there’s a group of baggage handlers at the back of my brain and these words come out on a conveyor belt, but sometimes the baggage handlers go on strike and they throw it all upside down.” Boriswatch couldn’t have put it better!
Here is the article (you’ll need Flash to enjoy):
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The magazine is widely available now in Waitrose and other supermarkets and in WHSmith’s in the Berkshire and Chilterns areas – or by calling 01858 438832 for a posted copy.
There seems to be a subtle resurgence in Boris material recently – and the mention in this article of his “agent” Wayne Lawley seems to indicate he’s taking his image a bit more seriously nowadays. I remember hearing of Wayne’s increased involvement a couple of months ago. It’ll be interesting to see how the seemingly new angle pans out…

A media-shy Boris is a had man to track. However, The Guardian reports that Boris is one of the speakers contributing to Architecture Week, a nationwide series of events that kicks off on Friday. His cultural roots showing through, Boris has already developed a unique standpoint, criticising Prince Charles’ favourite architect Quinlan Terry. Firing on all cylinders, Boris exclaims, “Why are these things always ghastly brick? I hate bloody brick. If you’re going to do it, you should do it right.”