Lib Dems plot to make Johnson mayor of London (no, not BoJo... his sister Rachel!)

  • Rachel Johnson is being lined up as a candidate to follow her brother as Mayor
  • Liberal Democrat plan follows columnist’s decision to join the pro-EU party
  • Aides working for Tim Farron hope to persuade her to stand in the next contest

By GLEN OWEN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

Published: | Updated:

Rachel Johnson is being lined up as a candidate to follow her brother Boris as London Mayor – on the grounds that ‘it is time that a Johnson made a success of the job’

Rachel Johnson is being lined up as a candidate to follow her brother Boris as London Mayor – on the grounds that ‘it is time that a Johnson made a success of the job’

Rachel Johnson is being lined up as a candidate to follow her brother Boris as London Mayor – on the grounds that ‘it is time that a Johnson made a success of the job’.

The Liberal Democrat plan follows the Mail on Sunday columnist’s provocative decision to join the pro-EU party in order to oppose the Brexit decision.

Boris was London Mayor for eight years until 2016, introducing the popular ‘Boris bikes’ and new generation Routemaster buses, but he was also accused of neglecting social problems, such as a lack of affordable housing. 

Aides working for Lib Dem leader Tim Farron hope to persuade Miss Johnson to stand in the next mayoral contest in 2020, when the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU will be clearer. 

Last night Miss Johnson said: ‘How flattering. My family includes current MPs and former MEPs and Boris’s brilliant record as Mayor. It demonstrates our drive to serve at every level – local, national and European.’

The Lib Dems’ Election manifesto will include a demand for a second referendum to allow voters to remain in the EU if they are dissatisfied with the final deal. 

A Farron aide said: ‘It is about time that a Johnson made a success of running the capital. 

'With Rachel in full campaigning mode on her brother’s old patch, we would be able to shine a bright light on his dubious legacy.’

Aides working for Lib Dem leader Tim Farron hope to persuade Miss Johnson to stand in the next mayoral contest in 2020, when the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU will be clearer

Aides working for Lib Dem leader Tim Farron hope to persuade Miss Johnson to stand in the next mayoral contest in 2020, when the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU will be clearer

LondonLiberal Democrats

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