Boris Johnson’s campaign have been forced to withdraw an advanced press notice which implied that Brian Cooke, Chairman of the London Assembly funded complaints body London TravelWatch would be supporting Mr Johnson’s transport manifesto when it is launched next week.
As head of a politically independent body Mr Cooke’s presence at the launch of a party manifesto could be seen as controversial and any suggestion of political bias deeply embarrassing for both him and London TravelWatch.
When asked what capacity Mr Cooke would be appearing in a spokesman for the Johnson campaign was initially unable to answer, advising us to: “either contact Brian directly, or wait until he speaks on Monday. For the moment I can only really confirm that he has accepted Boris’s invitation to talk about London’s transport system at the launch.”
A London TravelWatch spokesperson later told MayorWatch: “We have had discussions with the Boris Johnson campaign team and Brian will be attending the manifesto launch, but as a representative of transport users, and is not endorsing the candidate.”
“He will be re-iterating that London TravelWatch is non-political and non-partisan in the mayoral race. This is not an endorsement of anyone’s campaign, but a chance for transport users to be represented.”
“There was a mis-understanding about what the actual event entailed, and the original operational note implied that Mr Cooke was part of the campaign. A new operational note will be sent out clarifying this.”
A spokesman for the Johnson campaign has said there has been: “a misunderstanding which has now been cleared up” adding “Brian will be attending in an impartial capacity as was always intended.”
InterestedLondoner says
Cooke dropped out in the end – have to say guys nicely spotted!
questionable entity says
You do realise ops notes aren’t meant to be published or reported on don’t you?
Martin (Editor) says
questionable entity: A large number of reporters were sent a note implying support from a publicly funded body which can’t legally give it.
LTW and Brian Cooke could easily have been wrongly reported as supporting the manifesto based on the original op note – not every one actually goes to the launches and would have heard him speak.
As the article says this would be quite embarrassing for all concerned so under the circumstances I think the clarification warrants publication.
Politicians and candidates have a duty to protect public officials and getting the op note signed off by London TravelWatch (something they tell me didn’t happen) would have sensible uner the circumstances.
a hawkins says
What on earth are Travelwatch playing at?
If Travelwatch are really there as representatives as transport users then transport users should expect them to raise the following questions on their behalf:
1. will boris johnson explain the real cost of his bus policy to replace bendy buses with ‘routemasters’ which Johnson is trying to claim will cost just 8 million pounds and which Ken Livingstone’s campaign says will cost 110 million?
2. Will boris drop his opposition to the CO2 charge on 4x4s?
3. Will Johnson end his ridiculous claim that Ken Livingstone’s opposition to the PPP on the tube was just ideology when in fact Ken was proven right?
4. Will Boris Johnson drop his plan to abolish the western extension of the congestion charge?
5. Will Johnson drop his opposition to the half price bus and tram travel for people on income support?