Mayoralty of Boris Johnson

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Boris Johnson was the Mayor of London from May 2008 to May 2016, as a member of the Conservative Party. He won the 2008 election against the Labour incumbent Ken Livingstone and was re-elected in 2012. During his time in office he focused on transport, safety, London’s global role, and hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.

Key achievements and programs
- Transport and travel:
- Introduced the popular cycle hire scheme, known as “Boris Bikes.”
- Created the New Routemaster buses to update London’s iconic double-deck fleet.
- Built the Thames cable car linking the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
- Banned drinking on much of London’s public transport to improve safety.
- Extended the use of the Oyster pay-as-you-go system to some national rail services.
- Made changes to congestion charging, including ending plans to expand charges for certain vehicles and reducing parts of the charging zone.
- Planned and pushed for the next phase of Tube changes, including longer weekend hours and the shift toward automated ticketing, with staffed ticket offices to be reduced or closed; the Night Tube began after he left office.
- Launched the London Underground ticket office policy that aimed to keep some offices open, while later changes moved toward automation.
- Olympics and development:
- Played a major role in preparing London to host the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
- Co-chaired the Olympic board and oversaw major projects, including the Olympic Park and the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower.
- After the Games, helped negotiate a deal for West Ham United to use the Olympic Stadium, a decision later scrutinized for cost and planning.
- Environment and streets:
- Promoted cleaner air and traffic policies, including plans for an Ultra Low Emission Zone in London.
- Supported cycling and walking, though some cycling groups argued roads could be safer for cyclists.

Public money, projects, and controversy
- The Garden Bridge project, a proposed pedestrian bridge over the Thames, received public money but was later dropped after Johnson’s mayoralty.
- He helped fund other landmark projects and supported London’s financial sector, sometimes clashing with critics who argued he favored business interests.
- Johnson’s administration faced several personal and political controversies, including:
- Early struggles with staff appointments and internal organization at City Hall.
- Accusations of cronyism and questions about political influence in appointments.
- Debates around police oversight and crime statistics, including his role in the Metropolitan Police Authority and the handling of the 2011 London riots.
- A high-profile stop-and-search policy change and criticisms about public communications during crises.
- A widely discussed relationship with Jennifer Arcuri, which later led to investigations about possible conflicts of interest.

Public opinion and end of the mayoralty
- Johnson remained a popular public figure in London, with a 2016 poll showing that a majority believed he had done a good job as mayor.
- While he pursued other roles, he contemplated and then took on responsibilities outside City Hall. In 2015 he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, serving alongside his mayoral duties for a period before stepping down as mayor in May 2016.
- He was succeeded as Mayor of London by Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party.

Overall, Johnson’s mayoralty left a lasting mark on London’s transport, Olympics hosting, and city branding. His time in office combined high-profile projects, strong media presence, and a mix of policy changes that emphasized business, cycling, and the city’s role on the world stage, tempered by controversies and debates over spending, ethics, and safety.