Boris Johnson prepared to fight in Mayoral election battle (From This Is Local London)

Boris Johnson prepared to fight in Mayoral election battle

3:01pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Where I Live By Jim Palmer

As Mayor of London Boris Johnson kick-starts the campaign to defend his title in the Mayoral Elections in May, reporter JIM PALMER talks to him about his upcoming fight.

"MAYBE you could spar with Boris."

That was the suggestion from News Shopper's news desk when we were contacted about the Mayor of London’s visit to Team TKO - a martial arts course for youngsters run by Bexley Police.

OK, I said, a little worried that Mr Johnson would take me down like he did former German footballer Maurizio Gaudino in a charity game a few years ago (Youtube it - it’s great).

Turns out it wasn’t that sort of a gig - plenty of youngsters and fighting experts thumping bags, but little scope for a journalist to jab the mayor. That would have been assault. In a room full of coppers.

It was probably for the best - the most I could muster on the night was a limp handshake - I fluffed it, OK, he was already squeezing before my hand was fully engaged.

Still, it was a good chance to go toe-to-toe with the current champ ahead of his title fight with Ken Livingstone, in the red corner, in May.

"Obviously I am going to work very hard and I think we have got a good record," said Boris.

"We have got crime down very considerably across London. I think in Bexley and Bromley it is down further - 16 or 17 per cent.

"We have got more police on the street. We have initiatives in town centres in Bexley, in Penge, in Bromley."

But the Mayor said there is still more he wants to achieve.

He said: "In the next term there is an awful lot more we can do."

A key weapon in Boris’ armoury is council tax. The mayor said it went up £963 for a band D property under his rival, but he has managed a cut.

"The days when you can just tax and spend are over," he said.