Boris says awesome things...

There are fewer television events more brilliant to watch than a battle between two of the nation’s political heavyweights.  And, we were treated to another such encounter at the Party Conference last week when Jeremy Paxman and Boris met for an interview on the BBC’s Newsnight programme.

With both men in top form, this is guaranteed to raise a smile or two, particularly when the issue of ‘whether Dave or Boris has the best degree’ comes around….

He may have done lots of great things for London, but there are two words that seem most commonly associated with Boris as Mayor: bikes and buses.

This week, Boris has managed to achieve one of his main demands in that the last ‘bendy bus’ will complete its journey. The 207 between Hayes and White City will be the very last bendy bus in London this weekend and then the “cumbersome machines” which, according to the Mayor, were too big for narrow streets and encouraged fare-dodgers will be taken out of service for good.

However, not everyone is happy with the removal of the ‘whales of the road’. The BBC reports that Transport for All, which speaks for older and disabled transport users, said Transport for London was ‘nuts’ to scrap the vehicles. Spokeswoman Lianna Etkind said: “On every other bus in London, wheelchair users are frequently left stranded at the bus stop when pushchair users refuse to fold their buggy and give up the wheelchair bay.

“Many wheelchair users simply won’t travel at the time of the school run, because conflict with pushchair users who won’t move is so common.”

And, the Liberal Democrats pointed out that the replacement buses could only hold 85 passengers compared to the 120 that could be accommodated by a bendy bus. Caroline Pidgeon said: “As the replacement buses to the bendy buses are often just maintaining the same frequency, the reality is significant less capacity on numerous bus routes across London.”

However, Bozza won’t be sad to see the end of these buses. He said: “We bid a final but not fond farewell to the bendy bus. These bulky and ungainly monstrosities were always more suitable for the wide open vistas of a Scandinavian airport than for London’s narrow streets and I am glad to see the back of them.

“While it is goodbye to the bendy, it is hello to the svelte and elegant new bus for London, which will grace the capital’s streets from early next year.”

There are lots of influential men in Britain.  David Cameron.  Sir Philip Green.  Richard Branson.  Simon Cowell.  Prince William.  George Osborne.  Hugh Grant [ahem - Boriswatch Ed]

However, none are in the same league as Boris who has been voted GQ magazine’s Most Influential Man in Britain 2012.

The men’s magazine said: “When he says jump, the Prime Minister tries to guess how high.”

Boris climbed from 15th place in last year’s table. Placing Bozza top of the list, the judges said: “When Boris comes back from holiday, as he did during the London riots, David Cameron comes back. When Boris says he’s wearing a morning suit to the royal wedding, Cameron performs an embarrassing sartorial U-turn.”

The magazine also reported that the possibility that he could run for the Commons while serving in City Hall was crucial to placing him at the top of the list.

David Cameron came in second place, but his deputy, Nick Clegg, was the biggest loser, falling 24 places in the list to 34th position. Other big fallers included Simon Cowell, down 17 places, and Richard Caring, owner of Le Caprice restaurant, down 12 positions.

With 250 days to go to the Olympic Games, Bozza has been in Bexleyheath this week with his old mate Lord Coe. The pair visited Bexleyheath Academy accompanied by David Cameron and Nick Clegg Wenlock and Mandeville to launch the ‘Get Set’ scheme where London children can apply for 125,000 free Olympics tickets.

The school was chosen as it has been transformed from a ‘troubled’ school into a Mayoral Academy in just two years.

Mr Dore, who took over as head of the school two and-a-half years ago, said: “It’s the start of a new era for us. The school has registered as a place of respect in the community, away from its troubled past.

“The visit today is recognitition for the students and makes them feel worthy.”

Boris said: “London’s school kids have a once in a lifetime opportunity to get hold of the hottest tickets in town and experience the greatest sporting event on the planet.

“But to get as many kids into the Games as possible, we need every state and independent school in London to join up and, with just a month to go, I urge school kids, teachers and parents to make sure that their school doesn’t miss out.”