Boris Johnson chickens out of student hustings - what is he scared of?
Boris Johnson ducked out of another mayoral hustings this evening, avoiding the chance to face questions from students at the University of London.
Following hot on the heels of Johnson's no-show at the Time Out hustings, Johnson appears to be scared of testing his out-of-date Tory views on a younger audience.
Opinion polls show that Ken Livingstone enjoys a two-to-one advantage over Boris Johnson among 18 to 34 year old voters.
Ken Livingstone said:
"Is Boris Johnson scared of students? He's certainly demonstrated over the past 5 weeks just how out of touch he is with modern and diverse London.
"Students have the biggest stake in London's future, which is why Johnson's out-dated views and failure to provide solutions to major long term problems like climate change aren't likely to chime with a younger, more progressive audience. But nevertheless students must be disappointed that Boris' minders wouldn't let him out again to face their questions head on.
"Maybe, given students strong support for peace and tackling environmental issues, its because he supported the invasion of Iraq and backed George Bush in opposing the Kyoto climate treaty.
"London's student population is the most diverse in the country. Given what Boris Johnson has said about lesbian and gay people, as well as ethnic minorities, it is perhaps not surprising that he should duck the risk of being unmasked as hopelessly out of touch in front of a student audience in this wonderfully open and tolerant city.'
Wes Streeting, President-elect of the National Union of Students, speaking in a personal capacity said:
"It's a shame Boris Johnson's minders won't let him face a student audience. We were looking forward to challenging his reactionary views on everything from tackling racism and advancing LGBT equality to climate change and war. Most students will know that only one candidate has a consistent record of fighting and delivering for students and that's Ken."