Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson

Mayor of London

Boris Johnson is one of Britain’s most recognisable politicians, known for the bumbling persona and colourful antics that belie his intellect and ambition. In 2001, he was elected MP for Henley where he served, while also editor of the Spectator, until he was elected mayor of London in 2008. He resumed his seat in the House of Commons in 2015 as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip and will stand down as mayor in 2016. Avid cyclist Johnson vowed to double spending on cycling in the capital, introducing the hire scheme known colloquially as Boris Bikes, but the ongoing lack of dedicated cycle highways has frustrated many. He has also reinstated the popular Routemaster buses and banned alcohol on public transport, but his proposal for a 24-hour tube has been deferred in the face of disputes with the RMT over how the service will be staffed.