A VISAO DO MAYOR DE LONDRES, BORIS JOHNSON

Dear MANUEL,

Our victory on May 1st would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our supporters- which is why I want to say thank you. It really is no exaggeration to say we couldn't have done it without you.

It's been a hectic few months, and we're learning every day. The recent economic turmoil has thrown into a sharp light the immense challenges London faces. I will continue to stand up for London's interests, and I will do whatever I can to ease the burden including freezing council tax next year and building more high quality affordable homes.

I am proud we have already delivered several important election commitments including;

* 400 extra police officers to double safer transport teams and cracking down on disorder on buses.
* Banning the consumption of alcohol on public transport to make journeys more pleasant for everybody.
* Scrapping The Londoner newspaper, saving £6 million, and ending the oil deal with Venezuela.
* Scrapping Ken Livingstone's £25 congestion charge on large family cars, saving £10 million.
* Delivering free travel for veterans and a 24-hour Freedom Pass.

However, there is much more to do. Youth crime is my immediate priority. We have already made headway; the police now have new stop and search powers and over 2,000 knives have been recovered since May. We'll be going further in the coming months, launching a new plan that unites the police, local communities, local and central government.

I will also focus on improving Londoners' quality of life, which includes protecting and enhancing green spaces, as well as finally introducing air conditioning on parts of the tube.

Over the next four years I intend to deliver the major projects that will define our city for years to come; Crossrail, tube upgrades and the Olympics. But it's not just about that. It's also about ensuring City Hall delivers for every Londoner, not just zone 1. It's about tackling the harsh poverty that still exists in this city of plenty. Above all, it's about tackling violent crime and providing taxpayer value.

That's the change you voted for, and that is what I intend to deliver. I'll be sending you regular updates on how we're doing, and if you have any concerns, please get in touch with me at City Hall on mayor@london.gov.uk.



Boris Johnson