The ThunderDragon: Battle of the Political Mavericks

01 August 2007

Battle of the Political Mavericks

Ken v Boris v Lembit?

That is a potential London Mayoral race line-up, now that Lembit Opik has been floated as a potential Lib Dem candidate. This seems hypocritical of them since, if I remember correctly, the Lib Dems were making noises about the Tories having to look outside of London to find a high-profile candidate - since Henley is rather closer top London than Montgomeryshire.*

What this does show is the race to be London Mayor is lining up to be the battle of the mavericks. If Lembit is to be the Lib Dem candidate, it should make the race an interesting one. Lembit himself says: "Me, Boris and Ken would be a splendid contest. It would get a lot of interest and get the public voting as well." And it would be - certainly a good thing for bloggers and sketch-writers!

However, Boris Johnson can easily beat those of these. Ken Livingstone has failed London in his two terms, and Lembit simply isn't in the same league as Boris.

UPDATE: Lembit has says that he won't run for Mayor. That's a pity - it would really have livened up the race even more. Considering the stature of Boris and Ken, the Lib Dems are going to need someone big or just get buried.

*If I remember this incorrectly, I apologise to the Lib Dems. I'm pretty sure I haven't, though.
Sources: The Telegraph, ePolitix

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