I call shenanigans!
Dave Hill has a statement from Team Boris on his London: Mayor & more blog further to this story about Boris pulling out of a hustings:
“Boris was never due to attend the event on April 2nd as he had a longstanding engagement to talk to local newspaper editors. We had hoped to take part in the hustings when it was still planned for April 3rd but unfortunately TimeOut decided to reschedule for the day before instead. We’re disappointed TimeOut has claimed Boris has withdrawn as this is simply not the case but wish them a successful event without him. [ends]“
I find the claim from Boris Johnson’s camp deeply unconvincing and, in any case, it does not satisfy me. Why was news of this unfortunate cancellation posted on Dave Hill’s blog and not Boris’ own website? Was no-one in Team Boris liaising with Time Out? Does no-one from Team Boris read Time Out? If it is an unfortunate diary clash, I would hope that Mr Johnson would try to reschedule his soiree with newspaper editors so that he can also answer questions from the Londoner on the street.
Dave Hill’s blog carries a reply from Time Out.
xD.
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
What’s your thoughts on Ken pulling out of the Centre for Social Justice hustings then? You going to give the same sort of criticism of Ken?
No…wouldn’t dream of it…oh hold on, news reaching me, yes Ken has also failed to confirm his plans to attend the No2ID event as well which the other major candidates are attending. Where’s Ken, Dave?
April 4th, 2008 at 1:16 am
My thoughts are that Ken Livingstone will be represented by John Biggs AM.
I have frequently criticised Ken in the past; indirectly, I have done so in the Guardian. That’s Ken Livingstone who has had assembly questions and people’s questions on a regular basis for eight years.
There is also, Jeh, the difference between failing to confirm and renegeing.
xD.