The Metropolis

Boris Johnson's desire for "supreme power" isn't the story. His desire for a new airport is

Mike Pollitt | Monday 18 June, 2012 12:07

“We have to have a new airport. One of the only reasons I want to assume supreme power in England is to make sure that happens…For God’s sake, don’t quote me saying that.”

Occasional London Mayor Boris Johnson spoke to New York Magazine as part of his book tour of the US. The quote above has produced the following reactions:

Daniel Knowles at the Telegraph – Boris Johnson: ‘I want to assume supreme power’
Guido Fawkes – Boris: “I Want to Assume Supreme Power”
Sunny Hundal at Liberal Conspiracy – Boris Johnson: ‘I want supreme power in England’

Mayor Johnson saying he wants “supreme power” is what’s called a “colourful” quote. I get it. People like colourful quotes. But it doesn’t mean anything. It’s not important. It’s a joke!

Sunny Hundal at Liberal Conspiracy at least gestures to the important bit:

“But more seriously, it’s worrying that he is still obsessed with such a foolhardy plan as the Estuary airport.”

Yes. That is more serious. Whether or not London needs more air capacity, and if so where it might be built, is important. Mayor Johnson’s lively phrase-making is not.

1230 UPDATE: Lo and behold, from the Standard – Boris Johnson has given his support to plans to build a second runway at Stansted Airport

See also
Boris’s new airport plans dubbed ‘ridiculous’ by Kent Tories
Pigs have as much chance of landing in the Thames estuary as planes. So what’s going on?
Does London need another airport?

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