Boris Johnson has ‘broken his promise to Waltham Forest’ – Jennette Arnold OBE AM
Boris Johnson’s commitment to Waltham Forest has been called into question this week as it was announced the Mayor would join David Cameron’s political Cabinet in addition to his role as Mayor of London and newly elected MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. London Assembly Member Jennette Arnold OBE AM shared her constituents’ concerns that “there is a real risk that the Mayor will get swept up in his parliamentary role” and said local people would be “the real victims” of the Mayor’s ambition.”
Despite describing Mayor of London as the “greatest job in the world” Ms Arnold regretted that Boris Johnson “never regarded the mayoralty as anything more than a stepping stone to bigger things”.
With cuts to public services on the horizon, and ongoing challenges to housing and local infrastructure, Ms Arnold said the people of Waltham Forest need a Mayor “who will look after the interests of our community” but said Boris Johnson may well be “distracted by juggling two roles”.
London Assembly Member Jennette Arnold OBE said:
“After breaking his promise and running off to Parliament there is a real risk that the Mayor will get swept up in his parliamentary role and forget his commitment to Waltham Forest and the rest of London.
“My constituent’s need a Mayor who will look after the interests of our community. Sadly I just don’t see us getting that from Boris Johnson, who’ll be distracted by juggling two roles. People in Waltham Forest will be the real victims of Boris’ decision.
“The next five years could be incredibly tough for Waltham Forest. We have public services facing further cuts, neighbourhood policing on the verge of collapse and a housing crisis that is only getting worse. A Mayor with his eye off the ball will only add to these challenges.”
ENDS