Boris Johnson: No separate LGBT manifesto and no answers to PinkNews readers’ questions
Incumbent Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson both appeared to reneged on his promise to launch an LGBT manifesto and a promise to answer the questions of PinkNews readers. But a document published last night entitled ‘Uniting Londoners’ does contain a number of LGBT policies and a reference to PinkNews.
Quizzed on whether the manifesto would include any new information or pledges for London’s gay and transgender citizens, the Mayor said: “The best thing you can do is devour it, it’s going to be good.”
The ‘Uniting Londoners’ document contains four specific pledges relating to LGBT people and a reference to PinkNews.co.uk in its citations. “Ensure the Met continues to crack down on hate crimes and homophobic crimes”; “Guarantee there remains at least one designated LGBT liaison police officer in every borough, to ensure they are able to deal with homophobic instances sensitively”; “I will continue to support projects like the FIT DVD to secondary schools as a resource to combat homophobic bullying” and “I will continue to support events like Pride, and ensure the LGBT community are part of the Cultural Olympiad.”
Separately, Mr Johnson had committed to answer the questions of PinkNews.co.uk readers, but as yet with just hours before the polls open, this publication has yet to receive his responses. Siobhan Benita, Jenny Jones and Brian Paddick have so far agreed to face readers’ questions. Mr Livingstone declined to take part in a live question and answer session because of time constraints, but has sent in responses to readers’ questions. Even the BNP candidate Carlos Cortiglia answered questions.
While Mr Johnson did not bother to answer PinkNews readers’ questions, eagle eyed viewers may have noticed paid advertisements for his campaign booked by the Conservative Party appearing on PinkNews.co.uk, directing readers to his own campaign website.
