The Greater London Mayor has shown the difference a mayor can make to a region like the North East

I hope that the North East is looking at the impact a Mayor has had on Greater London, and other great cities and regions of the world, and thinking: this would help us! Why can't we have something like this?
- A single person promoting the region
- The region working as one, not a collection of warring neighbours
- A critical mass to compete with the larger regions of Germany and beyond.
- A region with integrated transport, joined up healthcare and so much more.
- A region batting above its weight to ensure more jobs, growth and a better future.


The evidence is clear: mayors, with a proper remit and a broad canvass can make a big difference. The Mayor of London has a multitude of places, concerns, interests and people to look after across a huge land mass and a totally diverse landscape. London is many things to many people: from the suburbs to leafy green belt to the City's square mile and Soho, and so much in between.

In Westminster the race to succeed Boris Johnson is hotting up. Key local figures are throwing their hat into the ring for a job with real power to make a difference: the latest report on Zac Goldsmiths announcement is here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/11661880/Zac-Goldsmith-announces-bid-for-London-Mayor.html

Boris Johnson to return to Westminster - thoughts and assessment

Boris is a low tax, centre right, one nation politician who really understands people and how to beat Labour. I am delighted he is going to be involved in the 2015 election and will be happy to welcome him back to the House of Commons, if successful, in 2015.
To use the football analogy - "He is a top striker and you need your best players on the pitch."

I have met Boris many times and he is a complex character - very bright, very experienced, a very successful two times Mayor with a proven track record. He also has a with a wicked sense of humour and a great speaking style. He is also a full time cyclist, a strong advocate of the living wage, and one of the best MPs I have ever seen at talking to anyone. He genuinely likes people, which is the most important asset inan MP. And he cares. He will be a big asset.
Also he is very good at explaining why it would be lunacy to make Ed Miliband Prime Minister and Ed Balls Chancellor. And that is the prospect this country faces in 2015.

Fuller details here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28673113