Boris Johnson describes Assembly ‘interrogations’ in special podcast

In its 25^th Anniversary year, the London Assembly has today released a video and podcast recorded with the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. In the podcast, recorded in September 2025, Mr Johnson discusses his eight-year tenure as Mayor and the highs and low of politics then and now.

The Assembly has scrutinised all three Mayors of London, on behalf of Londoners, since it was formally launched in July 2000.

During the podcast, Mr Johnson comments on:

• The adversarial and hostile ‘interrogations’ he faced at the hands of Assembly Members
• The ‘shambles’ and ‘cockups’ during his first year in the job
• His reflections on the first Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone – who he describes as a ‘very creative public servant’
• The state of politics during his years as Mayor and his desire for the whole country to return to a similar political culture

Len Duvall OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly, who conducted the interview, said:

“For 25 years, the London Assembly has not only been a crucial check and balance on the country’s most powerful elected politician and his over £20bn budget, but an important enabler of good Government.

“Having been an Assembly Member since its inception in 2000, I believe this series of podcasts is an important way to remember how scrutiny can influence the thinking of a Mayor of London. 

“Boris Johnson underlined why the London Assembly has been so effective in its role for the past 25 years.

“I am confident that the Assembly will continue to seek out and voice the issues that matter most to Londoners for the next 25 years.”