Boris says awesome things...

Guido Fawkes reports a YouGov revelation – Boris is pulling ahead in the polls for Mayor (direct PDF results here)! It’s wonderful news – I’m going to buy a boris thong in celebration! As an aside, Guido seems a big Boris fan – the Boris camp reports his many attempts to “help” with the Boris Mayor websites…

In an outstanding journalistic coup, The Telegraph has acquired a copy of Boris’s Mayoral application form. As you can imagine, it’s not a boring dirge of sycophancy – in the “Challenge’s faced” section, he writes:
“1. Trying to help raise 4 children in inner London. Outcome too early to call, but looking promising.
2. Taking on Blair and Campbell in the battle of Black Rod’s Memorandum on the Queen Mother’s lying-in-state. Outcome: Total victory.
3. Negotiating Hyde Park Corner by bicycle. Outcome: survival.”

Read more in their article – or here’s the direct link to the filled-in application form (PDF)

No, he hasn’t lost his London Mayor hat, but he has been replaced as Shadow Higher Education Minister, a job he had to resign from to run for Mayor. Reading East MP Rob Wilson is taking up the mantle, according to Iain Dale. Rob’s got some big shoes to fill…

So, what’s up with the Boris Johnson site, Boriswatch wondered. One minute it’s up, then it’s down. Then it’s up. And down. Boriswatch decided to ask the hosters what was wrong.
Boris Johnson’s official site has always been a tough gig to manage, it seems. The hosting company have reported around 10 Denial-Of-Service attacks a year, and just when a new server is found in Gloucestershire to cope with the new Mayor-based traffic, along comes the great floods and causes communication issues. Hence a blank website today.
It seems that while Boris is possibly the most popular politician on the planet, there are plenty of geeks and rainclouds out there trying to stop him…!

Who is Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson? asks prominent American online magazine Slate, describing Boris as “Britain’s most entertaining politician”. *Only* entertaining politician, we say…!

Anyone using Facebook – add this application and support Boris on your profile:
I’m Backing Boris

Anyone not using Facebook – why not?! It’s like Friends Reunited on speed…

On The Guardian’s website today, Mike Read – one time radio DJ and all round good egg – announces he’s now not standing and is backing Boris! Good call, Mike – let’s hope the other candidates follow your lead…

Boris has officially announced his candidacy for the London Mayor, after a weekend of secret meetings and behind the scenes action. Boris said, “The opportunity is too great and the prize too wonderful to miss… the chance to represent London and speak for Londoners.”

The opportunity of supporting Boris is also too great to be passed up on. As you would expect, Boriswatch will be supporting Boris to the hilt – We have a Boris For Mayor section at www.boriswatch.com/mayor – and you can get some Boris for Mayor clothing from the new BorisShop now!

Update: More views from Nick Assinder at the BBC, and another from Nick here. Also, The Times report that the Conservatives are hoping Boris will help the entire party ride higher in the polls. No pressure, Boris…

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Boriswatchers – the wait is nearly over. Word reaches Boriswatch Towers that tomorrow, Boris WILL announce his candidacy for the Mayor of London, after a decision was secretly reached on Friday evening.

More discussion in the Sunday media:

Why He Should Run (The Telegraph)

Tricky Choice (The Times)

Red Ken faces colourful fight for London Mayor (The Independent).

UPDATE 2: And here’s the confirmation…

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In news that will gladden the heart of many Londoners, Boriswatch has heard that the papers this morning will announce that Boris has decided to run for Mayor! Unbelievable times, ladies and gentlemen…

UPDATE: The Telegraph has the scoop.

UPDATE 2: Looks like this is a story released to “test the waters”… there’ll be no official decision until after the weekend…

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