Dorking Conservative meets Boris Johnson
The Conservative Party's candidate for Dorking South in 2008 District Council's elections, Misbah Mosobbir recounts how he met Boris Johnson at the beginning of his mayoral campaign.
Misbah works in the city and about 9 years ago he established a voluntary network for the disaffected youth of East London. This is the "Reaching New Heights" campaign, designed to encourage the disaffected youth of East London into channelling their energies into a city career.
He remembers that Boris came to talk to the campaign workers, but he left a very different impression from that portrayed by the media frenzy. Whilst he may be known for his gaffes and humour, the now Mayor of London’s interest in youth issues was very strong.
Boris said that the youth network was a "wonderful idea" and wished that "I had this when I was eighteen and especially twenty-two to stop me making awful mistakes."
Mr Johnson then went on to say
"The Network plays a very important part in helping people to realise their ambitions. Anybody can achieve anything, you just have to keep believing."
Misbah says of his meeting with Boris Johnson:-
"I must admit, I was quite anxious to meet this larger than life figure. I introduced him to the audience as one of the most colourful figures in politics, however I did notice that he was extremely perceptive of what we are trying to do and empathised the issues faced by the youth in trying to reach their goals"
Boris Johnson’s job as mayor does give him a huge amount of responsibility, but Misbah’s meeting has left him in no doubt that he’ll be up to the job. He says:-
"Boris came across as a caring and able politician. He will have the right team behind him, which promises London a colourful and fruitful four years ahead."
Misbah Mosobbir was the 2008 Conservative candidate for the Dorking South council elections.
Malcolm Johnson – Communications Officer – Mole Valley Conservative Group
2nd May 2008