Elton John backs gay former cop's bid for mayor

11:12am Monday 7th January 2008

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Sir Elton John is lending his support to former Met policeman Brian Paddick's bid to become London Mayor.

Balham-born Mr Paddick said yesterday he was discussing the best way Sir Elton and his partner David Furnish could support his campaign.

Among the options being considered is a fundraising dinner for the Liberal Democrats candidate.

Mr Paddick, 49, who before he retired as deputy assistant commissioner last April had been the Met's highest ranking openly gay copper, said his main aims were less crime, better transport, cleaner air and fewer Londoners living in poverty.

He stands in this year's contest against Labour's sitting mayor Ken Livingstone and the Conservatives' Boris Johnson.

The former Sutton Manor High School student retired after 30 years in the force following a clash with Commissioner Sir Ian Blair over the handling of the Jean Charles de Menezes shooting in July 2005.