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[/r/all]Meanwhile, in British politics (i.imgur.com)

submitted ago by shinakuYorkshire

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[–]galorin 102 points103 points ago

He needs to tighten his chin strap, otherwise his helmet is going to shift in an accident instead of absorbing the impact.

[–]sync0pateWest Mids 75 points76 points ago

That's what we're all laughing at.. obviously.

[–]pieeatingbastard 13 points14 points ago

We'd never get that lucky. Some people are just invincible, and I would give you good odds that this man, a semi professional comedian, is going to be the next PM.

Sigh.

[–]LordMorbis 29 points30 points ago

Johnsons image of an oafish, useless man is an act. Many of his classmates have been fairly vocal about how smart he really is. He has managed to present an extremely likeable (if slightly idiotic) image to the general public, and even if you don't like his politics, many say they like him as a person. He is using this fact to further his political career. Don't judge the book by its cover, he is smarter than he looks.

[–]nevercomment 19 points20 points ago

Boris Johnson, people always ask me the same question, they say, 'Is Boris a very very clever man pretending to be an idiot?' And I always say, 'No.' - Ian Hislop

[–]DAsSNipez 9 points10 points ago

Well you're never going to get anything particularly nice out of Ian Hislop, I think he's brilliant but not the fairest of people.

[–]mickd 0 points1 point ago

And that maybe why he cultivates the image of the likeable buffoon. He feels he isn't clever enough.

[–]squigmig 0 points1 point ago

Oh, Snoopy.

[–]pieeatingbastard 5 points6 points ago

Don't get me wrong, I don't think he is a fool. Idiots are rarely funny, and if you have watched him talk, he is capable of being genuinely, intelligently funny. But he hides behind his comedic image, and seems to be very likely to replace the unlovely David Cameron. There is entirely too much chance of Boris being a popular Tory PM, using his public persona to get further in his aims than a straight man ever could. Not a concept that gives me the warm fuzzies.

[–]lackofbrainNowhere in particular 12 points13 points ago

If they also replace Nick Clegg with Lembit Opik (they would need to get him back into a safe seat first) then government would at least be a funny disaster, as opposed to the tragic one we have now!

[–]CressCrowbits 6 points7 points ago

You know what's really sad? Lembit Opik used to be a really good politician. The he decided he wanted to be a celebrity.

[–]321jo 12 points13 points ago

Touch my bum....this is life.

[–]pieeatingbastard 5 points6 points ago

Yes, but then we cant do the whole HAL thing - "I'm sorry, Dave, I can't let you do that". Not that it has happened enough, mind.

[–]east_end 0 points1 point ago

This is not a laughing matter, chap.

[–]lackofbrainNowhere in particular 1 point2 points ago

Yes it is. Everything is a laughing matter, especially the circus that is politics!

load more comments (1 reply)

    [–]bananabmGuildford 1 point2 points ago

    It quite clearly already has, given that it's fallen down in front of his eyes.

    [–]JazzspasmNorf London, innit 155 points156 points ago

    Fuck me - It's like Eric Cartman in that special olympics episode.

    All we need is for Boris to say "Durrrrrrr" and everything's complete.

    [–]nslatz 176 points177 points ago

    For comparison: Imgur

    [–]aslate 14 points15 points ago

    Give that man a coconut!

    [–]JazzspasmNorf London, innit 20 points21 points ago

    Nice one!

    load more comments (1 reply)

      [–]Darkknight101 2 points3 points ago

      I was thinking he looks more like Harry from Dumb and Dumber

      [–]dantheman999United Kingdom 281 points282 points ago

      This is what happens when people just get incredibly apathetic and bored of politics.

      We end up with someone pretending to be a lovable buffoon because it will get him votes in the long run.

      He's played the system and he's done it marvellously.

      [–]cyborg_selkie 140 points141 points ago

      From The Guardian

      But [Boris's] lovability, or even bonkability, is not the point. One of our biggest problems as a society is that we have become obsessed by the X Factor culture. We no longer look for dignity, gravitas, decency or seriousness of purpose in our leaders in any field. We demand only stardust, a jolly turn in front of Simon Cowell or on Strictly Come Dancing.

      I knew quite a few of the generation of British politicians who started their careers in 1945 – the likes of Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey, Edward Heath, Enoch Powell and Iain Macleod. The common denominator among them all, whatever their party, was that they entered politics passionately believing they could change things. They were serious people. It does not matter whether they were wrong or right – almost all of them had real beliefs.

      Today most aspirant politicians of every party have not a personal conviction between them. They merely want to sit at the top table, enjoy power, bask in the red boxes and chauffeur-driven cars, then quit to get as rich as Tony Blair.

      [–]megamouth2Harrow/Middlesbrough 64 points65 points ago

      bonkability

      I've just thought of one of the possible connotations of that word... and... well, now I need some sort of brain-bleach to get the image out of my head.

      [–]greatkingrat 21 points22 points ago

      I really want to know my bonkability rating now.

      [–]redem 30 points31 points ago

      0.3 on the Johnson scale.

      [–]greatkingrat 14 points15 points ago

      I'll take that.

      [–]rockpoodled'norf 17 points18 points ago

      As well you should. Bozza's a serial shagger. If I got as much clunge as him I'd be happy as a pig in shit.

      [–]redem 4 points5 points ago

      Become Emperor, and you might hit .5! A whole half-johnson! Something you can put on your CV, that.

      [–]GoldenToadLincolnshire 1 point2 points ago

      Something about a 'half-johnson' sounds faintly rude!

      [–]redem 1 point2 points ago

      Then my work here is done. /salute

      load more comments (5 replies)

        [–]HarryBlessKnappSouth Weezey Mandem 4 points5 points ago

        Boris has got a dick like a baguette. Blatantly.

        [–]sternslovchildEuropean Union 0 points1 point ago

        If you leave it on the side in the kitchen for a few days it goes really hard?

        [–]muttleee 3 points4 points ago

        How many connotations are there?

        [–]quenishi 1 point2 points ago

        That made me shudder too.

        [–]PatternOfKnivesUnited Kingdom 20 points21 points ago

        I don't think it's anything to do with X-factor etc. It's all totally based on the last paragraph.

        The public are disillusioned with the system and the people who run for it. No politician sticks to their word, things change in ways against public opinion, the expenses scandal etc, so people feel like they can't trust any politician as they're so manufactured and false.

        On the other hand, Borris gives out a genuine persona and people feel like they can trust what he says, as he says what he means. While his lovability may all be a very clever act behind the scenes, he still says what he means and does what he says. Borris is just the opposite of what people are used to, and what they're used to doesn't work for them.

        [–]Galcius 35 points36 points ago

        This annoys me so much. People think he's funny and nice and all that, and that's nice, but he's in government for fuck's sake. We don't want funny and nice, we need intelligence, charisma and leadership ability. We need somebody who can effectively steer the nation and make the right decisions for us, not somebody who looks funny stuck on a zip line over a crowd of spectators.

        [–]Lard_Baron 59 points60 points ago

        I don't think he's stupid by a long way.

        [–]Galcius 23 points24 points ago

        I didn't say he was, and indeed, I don't think he is. I think he's a manipulator who plays the populist card at every opportunity.

        [–]MissBabaganoosh 8 points9 points ago

        Agreed, but if the public at large would bother to learn about politics and the candidates they put into office, things like that wouldn't work....

        [–]Galcius 10 points11 points ago

        Absolutely! The real issue is a complete lack of engagement with politics. We're supposed to read party manifestos, look at their track records and then make an informed decision as to who to vote for. Unfortunately people mainly vote for a party that they've always voted for because their parents voted for them, blah blah blah, or they vote for X because "he seems like a nice guy".

        The worst thing is that this is a cyclical problem! I doubt I'll vote next time round because I find myself in a position where I don't think any of them are capable leaders and I don't think any of their manifestos stack up and I have so little faith left in the system that I doubt they'll stick to those manifestos anyway...

        [–]withabeard 8 points9 points ago

        I doubt I'll vote next time round

        Don't not vote. Spoil the vote. The easy way is to vote for everyone.

        Some people will now say "that's the same as not voting", they are wrong and are only looking at the direct consiquence to the action. Your vote will indeed count for nothing when the votes are counted up. What spoiling does do is create a countable vote of no confidence in anyone, and following that the whole system.

        However, imagine the ripples running through the democratic system if more than 50% of people (those that don't bother voting now) all stood up and gave, in the polling booth, a vote of no confidence in the whole system.

        Hell, even 10% of votes being spoiled would send shockwaves through the whole system.

        tl;dr: Vote for everyone and tell the system you can't vote for someone.

        [–]GeeJo 6 points7 points ago

        I suspect the result would be:

        "Wow, huge numbers of people spoiled their ballots in an attempt to show their dissatisfaction with the system."

        "Huh. That's weird. Well, who won?"

        "The Tories. Again."

        [–]withabeard 4 points5 points ago

        We can bridge that chasm when we get to it. We need people to know about their options first.

        [–]I_FIST_BADGERSalright butt? 2 points3 points ago

        Huh. TIL. There I was, ready to just note vote next election (Unless of course, the pirate party comes my way - which I highly doubt).

        I was never really taught much about voting, and I've never had the chance to vote, so I didn't know you could do this.

        [–]woxy_lutz 1 point2 points ago

        Last election, I had people genuinely tell me they were going to vote for David Cameron because they thought he was better-looking than Gordon Brown.

        My belief in democracy was sorely tested, not to mention my sanity...

        load more comments (1 reply)

          [–]sgstHampshire, UK 12 points13 points ago

          If you want someone funny and nice, maybe the kind of guy you could grab a beer with, you end up with G W Bush. And that turned out great for America.

          A few of my friends voted for Cameron because, to paraphrase, they were sick of seeing Brown's grumpy face on TV and wanted someone more 'smiley'. Democracy is retarded when its voters are retarded.

          [–]fiercelyfriendlyLincs 3 points4 points ago

          Serious people/leaders who could make a difference take one look at today's political landscape and steer a wide berth from getting involved, they head into business instead.

          [–]Galcius 2 points3 points ago

          And who could blame them - better pay, (probably) less work and you can bang the secretary without getting fired! :P

          [–]lackofbrainNowhere in particular 5 points6 points ago

          Everyone available in cabinet and most of those outside it in politics are dreadful. Boris is at least funny with it. Not that I think he'd be a good PM, but I'm not convinced he would be worse than Cameron!

          [–]DeedTheInkyCornwall 3 points4 points ago

          I think part of it (and I'm not agreeing with this necessarily, this is just based on listening to some people I know) is that people look at the potential choices for PM and the options seem to be more awkward David Cameron coalition nonsense, accelerated David Cameron solo nonsense, the Labour party who everyone seems to still hate from the last time they were in power, or Boris.

          The attitude I keep seeing is sort of... we're fucked no matter who we choose, but at least with Boris it'll be sort of funny occasionally.

          [–]THE_TIMES 3 points4 points ago

          Should probs just mention that he is not in government, he's just a member of the conservative party who are in govt., i.e he doesn't hold any kind of ministerial post, and he's not even an MP, He's just London mayor.

          [–]Galcius 7 points8 points ago

          I'd say that the Mayor of London is a government post, even if it's not 'the' government, but fair enough.

          [–]kitd'ampshurrr 2 points3 points ago

          He's just London mayor.

          and thus responsible for the government of 1/8 of the UK population.

          [–]LolworthLondon, so do as you're told. 1 point2 points ago

          I actually do think he's intelligent, and love the way he winds up po-faced, leftwing vegetarian sorts. He's actually an amazing plain speaker which we need more of in life.

          [–]James188 0 points1 point ago

          I believe in the past week he's been quoted saying "lefty tosser's" to a mob of the great unwashed, then remarking about not wanting to start a "crustie civil war".

          He'll call a spade a spade sometimes and handled that run-in so much better than Cameron would have.

          He's an intelligent bloke and considerably more personable than many other politicians.

          [–]stappardE1 0 points1 point ago

          My mum always goes on about how much she likes Boris because he 'got involved' with the Olympics. I don't bother arguing...

          load more comments (17 replies)

            [–]JimmyNic 0 points1 point ago

            Hunger for power has always been the prime motivator in politics, principle secondary. Consider Disraeli pushing through bills to enfranchise more of the British public having opposed similar measures suggested by the Liberal party a few years earlier. It's a popular narrative to suggest that it's only in recent years people have become hoodwinked by posturing politicians, but it doesn't match up to history.

            However I will accept that Boris is a poser several leagues above the rest.

            [–]walgmanLondon 0 points1 point ago

            A similar thing applies to journalists.

            [–]sailesaileEngland 1 point2 points ago

            TIL blair makes around £20 million a year

            [–]aslate 18 points19 points ago

            He may appear to be a lovable buffoon but he is also a very intelligent person. Although he's not done great in his first 4 years, I did not want Ken (whose campaign seemed to be run of half-truths, giving away freebies and the fact that he cut the fares in 1984) to get in. Just because Boris was elected it doesn't mean it's because of political apathy.

            [–]dantheman999United Kingdom 10 points11 points ago

            I think he's very clever.

            I think the lovable buffoon thing is an act to get people to vote for him who otherwise would really not care. Him acting a prat actually gets him MORE votes than acting normally.

            It's brilliant when you think about it, just a shame that it works...

            [–]Archybaldie 9 points10 points ago

            I honestly dont think you can blame the most recent mayoral elections on apathy. Ken pissed off the jewish vote. So in the heavy jewish sections of london there was a noticable difference of high labour support in the assembly but low support for ken.

            I vehemently hate boris and thought ken had been great for london in the past. But ken's the one to blame for that one. (Finally ... it took me about 7 attempts but i managed to make this comment without going off into an fit of rage and frustration.)

            [–]GuardianistaLondon 5 points6 points ago

            I worked a bit in the Boris campaigns and while the Jewish angle was played up to a large degree, we all understood that Labour youths decision to back Oona King (the majority of them anyway) meant that Ken had far fewer youth activists in London than he needed. Add in the fact that we were busing in activists from all over the country, meaning that the tories had parity with labour in terms of feet on the beat. For all the talk of macro campaigns and grand strategies, the campaign was won because the Tories managed to knock on enough doors in the right areas (Labours attempt to widen their vote beyond inner London was also a serious miss-step, wasting a lot of valuable resources).

            [–]ixid 3 points4 points ago

            Guardianista

            I worked a bit in the Boris campaigns

            Are you some kind of double agent?

            [–]GuardianistaLondon 3 points4 points ago

            Heh. I am a very left wing person, but we all need experience for the CV. You would be surprised just how many left wingers abandon their principles for a T-shirt and a clipboard.

            [–]TybaltCapuletGloucestershire 2 points3 points ago

            As someone who knows a lot of the younger Jewish generation in London, I feel like they were supporting Boris a lot more than they would usually support the tories. No one really liked Ken, but Boris does have an appeal factor that seems to attract votes.

            [–]Toastsx 0 points1 point ago

            I cannot vote for Ken after what he said about the riots

            He used it as a political thing and he gave excuses to the rioters which are just bullshit.

            [–]redinatorSuffolk, at least for the time being. 1 point2 points ago

            what did he do to piss the jews off?

            load more comments (1 reply)

              [–]megamouth2Harrow/Middlesbrough 11 points12 points ago

              We end up with someone pretending to be a buffoon because it will get him votes in the long one.

              I dunno... it didn't work for Romney...

              [–]dantheman999United Kingdom 30 points31 points ago

              Perhaps I should have said "lovable buffoon"?

              [–]thecritic06Leeds 4 points5 points ago

              Romney's more of a pod person type.

              [–]G_Morgan 2 points3 points ago

              It is the madness of wanting politicians with opinions but also wanting a centre ground. You cannot have strong opinions and a FPTP system. Doesn't work.

              The fact is the public wants PR without having PR. They want a system that looks like PR, smells like PR but is actually FPTP.

              [–]Frankeh 0 points1 point ago

              I think he's just genuinely a buffoon. But he's our buffoon and he doesn't seem to have a huge barrier between his brain and his mouth which is a very valuable trait to look for in a politician.

              [–]keithbRefugee from Durham 50 points51 points ago

              he doesn't seem to have a huge barrier between his brain and his mouth

              On the contrary, I think he says with great care exactly what he means and needs to say to further his cause.

              [–]turnipsoup 17 points18 points ago

              Oh he's far from a buffoon. Read up on what people say of him - outside of the public eye, he supposedly has a very short temper and is very vindictive.

              When you compare that to how he acts in public - it's clearly an act. And from your comments, one that is clearly working for him.

              [–]Pandafacepants 12 points13 points ago

              He deserves a fucking BAFTA for his portrayal of "Good old Boris".

              [–]woxy_lutz 1 point2 points ago

              Vindictive? Where did you read that?

              load more comments (2 replies)

                [–]ali_421Birmingham 0 points1 point ago

                He really is zaphod from hitchhikers guide come to life...

                load more comments (1 reply)

                  [–]tablefor1 19 points20 points ago

                  Just remember that Boris, having been born in America, is eligible to run for President of the United States.

                  [–]Mylejandro 11 points12 points ago

                  Meanwhile, in Finnish politics.

                  (He is the Prime Minister of Finland, Jyrki Katainen)

                  [–]KulikantLord Upminster 66 points67 points ago

                  LOL BORIS 4 PM, WOT A LEDG HE MAKES ME LARF

                  [–]jxmitchell 40 points41 points ago

                  Tee hee! Boris has had an affair! Arf! Now he's offended the whole of Liverpool! Crumbs! He used the word "picaninnies"! Yuk yuk! He's been caught on tape agreeing to give the address of a reporter to a friend who wants him beaten up! Ho ho! Look at his funny blond hair! HA HA BORIS LOL!!!! WHAT A LEGERND!!!!!!

                  [–]Ractrick 2 points3 points ago

                  Upvote for Charlie Brooker Quote

                  [–]DarcyHartHampshire 24 points25 points ago

                  Damn Boris! We're trying to move away from the teeth stereotype!

                  [–]CressCrowbits 54 points55 points ago

                  Can anyone tell me what Boris has actually done for London since becoming mayor?

                  All I can think of are:

                  1. Get really cosy with the bankers.
                  2. Ge really cosy with the Murdochs.
                  3. Give Barclays really cheap advertising on the bike hire scheme started by his predecessor.
                  4. Buy some really fucking expensive buses.

                  EDIT: In today's news, Boris has just announced a DOUBLING of the bike hire prices, and another above inflation travel fare rise. He's also refusing to state how much Barclay's Bank have paid of the promised £25m sponsorship of the bike hire scheme, because of a confidentiality agreement. WTF?

                  [–]GuardianistaLondon 57 points58 points ago

                  1. Cut crime by 9%

                  2. Got rid of Bendy Buses

                  3. Froze council taxes

                  4. Introduced Oyster pay as you go on all London National Rail services

                  5. Bicycle super highways

                  [–]AquaSuperBatManEdinburgh 9 points10 points ago

                  OK, I am absolutely not educated about this, so pardon me if this is a stupid question.. But what exactly is he in control of? Can he do anything besides fiddling with public transport and council tax levels?

                  Or is he basically in control of all council tax payments collected and all public property (parks, roads, etc.) in London?

                  edit: typo

                  [–]GuardianistaLondon 21 points22 points ago

                  Not stupid at all as it is unique among UK elected positions. The Mayor of London is the head of the Greater London Authority (GLA) which is in charge of transport (TfL), emergency services and final decisions on planning (basically anything that affects the entirety of London). It is partly funded by council tax from London Boroughs (councils) and mostly by central government.

                  The Mayor of London can't change the level of council tax which your local council sets, he can only lower or freeze the amount that goes to the Mayor. Local property such as parks, library's and recycling centres are still run by their respective councils.

                  The Mayor is in charge of those services that are London wide, the councils are in charge of those which only effect their boroughs.

                  TL:DR: So yeah its basically fiddling with Transport and Police.

                  [–]chimpyangLondon 7 points8 points ago

                  The "super highways" are a load of crap and don't do very much for cycle safety at all. Must try harder.

                  [–]carrzyDurham 0 points1 point ago

                  Sorry friend, but as someone who has only been on bendy buses a couple of times, can I ask what is wrong with them? You have such a polite answer to the other questioner, I couldn't help but jump in.

                  [–]GuardianistaLondon 1 point2 points ago

                  Of course. The bendy bus has three separate entrances/exits which make it difficult for the driver to check who has swiped their oyster card or not. This leads to a lot of fare dodging, which then leads to overcrowding. It is thought that TfL lost almost £7million in fares while bendy buses were in action.

                  Secondly, some people claimed that bendy buses were a danger to cyclists when they performed turns.

                  Thirdly, bendy buses cannot travel down some of London's older streets, making them an inflexible transport investment.

                  [–]XZQTLondon 0 points1 point ago

                  The super highways are a load of shit. Or blue paint splattered across roads.

                  [–]jeremy 41 points42 points ago

                  • 5. Ban you from having a drink on the really fucking expensive buses.

                  [–]addictedtomoshUnited Kingdom 18 points19 points ago

                  1. Promise driver-less trains and then completely back out of it.

                  That's the only thing I liked about his campaign and he failed on it.

                  [–]Scary_ 7 points8 points ago

                  Well he didn't back out of it, TfL it seems never had much of an intention to do so in the first place as it's a lot more difficult to do than he thinks:

                  http://www.londonreconnections.com/2012/transport-committee-part-1-underground-reliability-driverless-trains/ http://www.londonreconnections.com/2012/transport-committee-intermission-the-elephant-in-the-committee-room/

                  [–]armchairistEngland 11 points12 points ago

                  Technically, it's not that difficult. Paris has has driverless trains for decades. The problem is a social one, train drivers have this strange idea that driverless trains would be bad for them.

                  [–]Scary_ 3 points4 points ago

                  Have you read those links - the sort of issues they're discussing are fairly complex and not easy.

                  Paris has had them, as has London (the DLR) but those lines were built for that sort of operation. Of course if we had a new tube line built today it would almost certainly be driverless.

                  The big issue is that they've lots of new trains running and being delivered and only 3 lines that need new stock in the next few years. So it's only really going to happen to those 3 but they've got to huryy up and decide and I'd have thought that the Bakerloo Line wouldn't be suitable anyway

                  [–]mejogid 3 points4 points ago

                  Honestly, it's annoyed me a few times when I've been going out, but I've been blissfully grateful for it many more times.

                  [–]YidEssex 10 points11 points ago

                  The OAP Oystercard, Boris bikes (using Livingstone's concept) he helped cut the 50p tax rate and then we had the Olympics, banning booze on the tube, which is a pain if you are drunk but excellent if you are sober.

                  I think Boris has done much more than Ken, plus he's likeable and a bit of a twat.

                  [–]pnw0United Kingdom 10 points11 points ago

                  I think for most people it would be not being ken Livingstone, the phrase "Vote Boris, he's not Ken" comes to mind.

                  Not that I agree with that. To me he's a buffoon, in the sense he acts the idiot and he's also really dangerous.

                  [–]Toastsx 11 points12 points ago

                  1. boris bicycles
                  2. scraped bendy buses
                  3. hosted olympics
                  4. reintroduced step-on step-off buses
                  5. banned alcohol use on public transport

                  those are the big ones i can think of

                  [–]Scary_ 14 points15 points ago

                  'Boris Bikes' were started under Ken. He inherited the Olympics too.

                  scraped bendy buses

                  Which was basically done as a gimmick, it didn't necessarily actually help transport - their replacements (regular double deckers) have a much lower capacity

                  reintroduced step-on step-off buses

                  Very expensive ones that the bus companies don't really want

                  [–]sionnachForeign invader 9 points10 points ago

                  Very expensive ones that the bus companies don't really want

                  The bus companies don't want passengers. They just want franchise payments, and then want the lowest operating costs so they can make the most money.

                  If a bus company doesn't want something, it might be a good reason for the public to have it.

                  [–]Scary_ 5 points6 points ago

                  Buying a regular off the shelf bus rather than an expensive one does cut costs.

                  The 'Boris Bus' is a vanity project and cost a fortune in development, that will be passed on to the bus companies.

                  [–]ExecutiveChimp 4 points5 points ago

                  That must be a really big shelf.

                  [–]OneArmJack 0 points1 point ago

                  Buses in London aren't privatised.

                  [–]sionnachForeign invader 0 points1 point ago

                  So, is that why some of them are run by Arriva, and others by Abelio, others by London United, Metrobus, Transdev, Stagecoach and a number of others?

                  They are all red, if that's what you're basing things on.

                  Or, am I getting on the wrong type of bus in the morning?

                  [–]OneArmJack 0 points1 point ago

                  Sorry, the word I should have used is deregulated, not privatised. Everywhere else in the country any bus company can run any bus routes that they choose to. In London they are all regulated by TfL.

                  [–]sionnachForeign invader 0 points1 point ago

                  Yes, they are regulated by TfL. Companies run bus franchises - their customers are not the travellers, like in the rest of the country. Their customer is TfL - and they will negotiate like hell to do just enough to maintain their franchises. They are not subject to normal supply / demand rules.

                  [–]GuardianistaLondon 0 points1 point ago

                  Bendy buses were the cause of a huge amount of fare dodging.

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                    [–]whyojiLondon 1 point2 points ago

                    [–]HarryBlessKnappSouth Weezey Mandem 0 points1 point ago

                    I swear London mayor doesn't actually get to do a great deal. Is it not more of a promotional role? I can't say he's done a bad job. Perhaps if he was in a more "policy heavy" role it might concern me but atm I think he's doing fairly well. And it's not the buffoonery I like, although that is a bonus. I like the fact he's not afraid to express an offensive opinion. He seems to actually have a spine. Something that is rare among politicians.

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                      [–]GrahamCoxonHertfordshire 9 points10 points ago

                      There might be a lot of things that Boris isn't, but he does make one hell of a good speech. If he started talking about God more he could probably be the next Republican candidate.

                      [–]M_McFly 6 points7 points ago

                      You do realise that the UK Tories are closer to the US Democrats than Republicans (twice as many Tories said that they'd vote Democrat than would Republican)?

                      [–]GrahamCoxonHertfordshire 1 point2 points ago

                      Yup, I'm commenting more on the fact that the US elections are as much of of a popularity contest as a political competition - certainly more so than our own, although it's still an important element. It's a system that he would probably play quite well, but his style as a public would be more suited to a Republican campaign than a Democratic one. His policies would likely be unsuitable, but it feels like a lot of America isn't listening to them anyway.

                      [–]woxy_lutz 0 points1 point ago

                      Maybe we could swap him for Obama!

                      [–]kbox 82 points83 points ago

                      I find it very hard to dislike that man.

                      [–]therationalparent 15 points16 points ago

                      Yes, he is likeable, but I wouldn't want him to be in a position of great responsibility. Wait...

                      [–]redem 88 points89 points ago

                      I don't, once you get past the public buffoon, his politics is a bit dodgy. Typical tory crap.

                      [–]bvmTunbridge Wells 47 points48 points ago

                      he doesn't really have any distinct ideology, that's the truly scary part. It's just empty populism - at least that's all we've heard from him.

                      [–]Frankeh 47 points48 points ago

                      Isn't populism just democracy?

                      [–]Insurrectionist89 10 points11 points ago

                      Strictly speaking, populism is just adopting whichever position on an issue that's currently popular with the voters. On the surface it might seem right to say "well if it's popular enough to have a majority supporting it, then it's the right thing to do either way right?" but there are plenty of cases where that's not the case.

                      Two huge areas where this can be bad are minority-issues and policies on topics that require a high amount of specialized knowledge to reach a good or correct decision - economic policy is an area that very often has the problem of misinformed voters believing ignorant or dishonest "experts", pundits and politicians, leading to populist politicians then supporting bad policy.

                      Additionally, people have a harder time connecting with populist politicians on controversial issues, since they'll often end up switching positions several times during their careers, leading voters to not trust that they'll actually carry through with their promises when they gain power.

                      [–]michaelisnotgingerYork, currently... 28 points29 points ago

                      basically when the 'common masses' agree with your opinions it's democracy and when they don't they're brainwashed by Murdoch/Guardian right/left-wing populist propaganda and X Factor/BBC. So I have learned.

                      [–]Parnass 2 points3 points ago

                      that's not populism at all. I mean sure, some people throw it around like that, but you're just making it devoid of any meaning. cynicism is all well and good, but populism IS a problem. atm mostly from the right if you look at europe, but in germany for example also from the left.

                      [–]M_McFly 0 points1 point ago

                      Not entirely sure how people are brainwashed by X Factor in any way past giving a small group of musicians a large amount of air-time...

                      [–]michaelisnotgingerYork, currently... 0 points1 point ago

                      oh you know what I mean 'those stupid masses, indoctrinated on X factor and cheap TV, not politically aware, why aren't they voting for me DAE Bread and Circuses'. Quite common to see.

                      [–]bvmTunbridge Wells 16 points17 points ago

                      no, populism is (at best) empty rhetoric that plays well with an electorate- cutting red tape, efficiency savings, cutting back building regulations, reconsidering the death penalty, longer sentences, lock them up throw away the key, health and safety anything, more police on the streets, etc.

                      [–]hogger84 8 points9 points ago

                      like the people spouting on Harry and Paul's pastiche of Question time" Link

                      [–]bvmTunbridge Wells 1 point2 points ago

                      "Does the panel think that Boris Johnson would make a better Boris Johnson in the Boris Johnson?"

                      Great sketch, illustrates exactly what I was trying to say.

                      [–]BeatlesForSaleSuffolk 6 points7 points ago

                      Those all really just sound like conservative policies, most of them fit well within the conservative ideology.

                      [–]landaaan 0 points1 point ago

                      Maybe you mean bread and circuses.

                      [–]G_Morgan 2 points3 points ago

                      We don't have direct democracy. Our system at its heart recognises that the public aren't really fit to rule themselves. That is why we have representatives that can theoretically capture the broad stroke desires of the public without descending into the madness of direct rule.

                      [–]Frankeh 0 points1 point ago

                      Sounds good to me!

                      [–]ventomareiro 0 points1 point ago

                      Following short-term opinion swings is not how you get a good, stable democracy.

                      [–]woxy_lutz 0 points1 point ago

                      It's centrist, which is a good compromise between distinctly right wing or distinctly left wing.

                      [–]CressCrowbits 0 points1 point ago

                      His ideology is "what is best for me and my chums?".

                      [–]kbox 2 points3 points ago

                      For a tory he's quite "social" in his politics, certainly as mayor.

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                        [–]daveime 0 points1 point ago

                        I can never look at him without being reminded of Python's 127th Upper Class Twit of the Year

                        [–]PJMorlow 2 points3 points ago

                        Well, besides his insane political views and 'forget what I actually believe in, vote for me because I'm a good TV personality' attitude to what he does.

                        [–]kbox 15 points16 points ago

                        It's funny how nobody has been specific in this thread about the criticisms of his politics. What's "insane", specifically, about his policies?

                        [–]woxy_lutz 2 points3 points ago

                        Exactly, everyone seems to think that following a centrist line rather than leaning right like he's "supposed to" means that he's lacking in conviction.

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                          [–]keithbRefugee from Durham 27 points28 points ago

                          Aye, he seems like a good joke right now, but just you wait...

                          [–]Naggers123Lahn-Dahn Bruv 39 points40 points ago

                          ?

                          He's been Mayor for a while now, how much longer do I have to wait?

                          [–]The_representative 34 points35 points ago

                          Until he's fully powered up.

                          [–]ElShortFuse 17 points18 points ago

                          This isn't even my final form, you oiks!

                          [–]Naggers123Lahn-Dahn Bruv 26 points27 points ago

                          Can't wait

                          [–]SpruxyNot quite Stevenage but near by. Kind of near Luton, sorta... 0 points1 point ago

                          Heh. Naggers.

                          [–]Naggers123Lahn-Dahn Bruv 2 points3 points ago

                          What did you call me?

                          [–]SpruxyNot quite Stevenage but near by. Kind of near Luton, sorta... 3 points4 points ago

                          A nagger

                          [–]bvmTunbridge Wells 8 points9 points ago

                          Wait until the coalition unravels because of boundary reform arguments. Wait until Boris makes some long and classical speech at the Tory conference and gets some headline stories running in the tabloids. Wait until the Tory right get truly fed up of Cameron's refusal to call a referendum/declare war on Europe.

                          [–]d_r_benway 5 points6 points ago

                          If the Tory party go right they will also go right out of power.

                          [–]skillian 11 points12 points ago

                          The sad thing is if Boris was leader many people wouldn't even notice a lurch to the right, they'd vote for him while laughing about his silly hair.

                          [–]bvmTunbridge Wells 1 point2 points ago

                          Remarkably, given their policies, the Tory party does not always act in its own self-interest.

                          [–]keithbRefugee from Durham 2 points3 points ago

                          Until he returns to parliamentary politics and national government.

                          [–]Benoit-Balls 8 points9 points ago

                          He'll become a great joke?

                          [–]SirDigbyChickenCzarUnited Kingdom 2 points3 points ago

                          I feel as if I would have a strong case to get him sectioned because of this picture.

                          [–]skillian 4 points5 points ago

                          OK guys, you've all had your fun with the sectioning. There will be no more sectioning today.

                          [–]revolution_nein 3 points4 points ago

                          Just wait until an horrific tragedy manifests itself?

                          [–]shinakuYorkshire[S] 2 points3 points ago

                          I can't agree more.

                          [–]VirgiliusNix 0 points1 point ago

                          He has a degree in Classics, I would never take him as a joke :(

                          [–]cornish_warriorKernow 9 points10 points ago

                          I cant help worrying he's like Donald Trump under that hair.

                          [–]HotbutteryToastThe yorks will rise again 3 points4 points ago

                          In reality he is apprently a shrewed and manipulative figure, but god damn that crazy hair.

                          [–]AntO_oESPO 1 point2 points ago

                          I didn't vote for him as my mayor. sigh.

                          [–]VermisTunbridge Wells; Disgusted 2 points3 points ago

                          I do hope this Clown doesn't become Ringmaster

                          [–]Yurilovescats 5 points6 points ago

                          I once sat in on a Parliamentary debate. BJ was spread-legged on the back benches snoring quietly, and I think perhaps even dribbling slightly. It was a boring debate... but really?

                          He's genuinely a buffoon.

                          [–]RedditMcRedditor 1 point2 points ago

                          Boris is the political equivalent of reality television; not much talent or substance, but addictive to the masses because he makes even the slowest members of society feel better about themselves because they are not him.

                          Sadly, politics has been moving towards style over substance in correlation to the rise of media networks over the past 100 years.

                          The average voter nowadays doesn't care about policies, or voting history, or any of that bollocks. The average voter will vote for whoever the tabloids tell them to vote for.

                          [–]Paulo86 1 point2 points ago

                          But he's OUR buffoon.

                          [–]StezzerLolzAn Ex-Pat in Brussels 0 points1 point ago

                          I don't think that's true at all.

                          He's unbelievably erudite, for a start.

                          Also, from what I know, in the more boring debates falling asleep in the back benches is quite a common practice...

                          [–]SirDigbyChickenCzarUnited Kingdom 4 points5 points ago

                          Vote B.J. for P.M.

                          [–]revolution_nein 58 points59 points ago

                          Blowjobs in the afternoon?

                          Gets my vote.

                          [–]ExecutiveChimp 1 point2 points ago

                          Why?

                          [–]EnterTheStory 0 points1 point ago

                          I used to be a huge fan of Boris. Until I met somebody who knew him.

                          [–]truthdemon 3 points4 points ago

                          Please continue...

                          [–]EnterTheStory 1 point2 points ago

                          I'd better not say too much, as (1) the person in question loves their privacy, (2) I don't remember many details, and (3) it's possibly libelous. But the crux of the report was that Boris had an affair with someone and treated her badly. To be fair, I only heard one side of the story, but I am rather ashamed to have once been a Boris admirer. I can only plead ignorance.

                          EDIT: this is only about him as a person. Maybe he's a good politician?

                          [–]lauder10 -2 points-1 points ago

                          I bloody love Boris. He's like a Golden Retriever. Always looks so daffy and happy to be doing whatever nonsense he's doing.

                          [–]sync0pateWest Mids 20 points21 points ago

                          I agree.. and just like a Golden Retriever he has completely out of touch with reality and utterly unsuitable for public office.

                          I do enjoy him on Have I Got News for You though.

                          [–]chimpychimp 0 points1 point ago

                          I sort of agree, but look at his track record. Hes not totally screwed London up, implemented a few decent programs (Boris bikes) and the Olympic games were generally regarded as a massive success with no disasters (not sure how much Boris actually had to do with it, but still).

                          You have to look past his veneer of obfuscating stupidity, he is certainly very intelligent and I think he is far more savvy than he lets on. The silly stunts like the zipline thing are probably cunningly orchestrated to improve his popularity and further the public notion of him being a bit daft.

                          When his political base is a bit more secure, he is going to go for PM and the true Boris will rise like a Kraken from the deep. He will suddenly stop being such a baffoon but still retain the popularity it has gotten him.

                          I will accept of course, that I may be completely wrong.

                          [–]sync0pateWest Mids 12 points13 points ago

                          Boris just happened to be mayor when the bikes and olympics happened. Both schemes were initiated under Ken Livingstone, and yet Boris is quite happy to take all the credit.

                          Undoubtedly he's more savvy than he lets on, and he has a set of incredibly rich and powerful people with swarms of PR teams behind him to orchestrate ziplining and public buffoonery.

                          However if you do manage to catch a glimpse through the unkempt blonde mane and tomfoolery to the real Boris within, you'll see he's just another upper class Tory twit, completely unaware of anywhere in the country outside of the M25 and completely uncaring about anyone who didn't go to the right schools.

                          I wouldn't start loving David Cameron if he learned to juggle knives, or George Osborne if he could tell a few jokes.. and Boris' entertaining act is only marginally less transparent.

                          [–]bananabmGuildford 9 points10 points ago

                          outside the M25

                          don't be silly, eton's outside the m25

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                              [–]Alpinestarhero -1 points0 points ago

                              Business As Usual

                              [–]jjthecerealkiller 0 points1 point ago

                              the first thing that came to mind

                              [–]markycapone 0 points1 point ago

                              did he finally get rid of the Bendy buses

                              [–]oxidentally 1 point2 points ago

                              Doesn't he just make you feel so proud!! Behind his likeable bumbling persona lies a dangerous man.

                              [–]Ammericuh -2 points-1 points ago

                              /r/photoshopbattles

                              [–]arrezzo 0 points1 point ago

                              /r/berk

                              [–]arrezzo 1 point2 points ago

                              His only talent is rhetoric.

                              [–]StezzerLolzAn Ex-Pat in Brussels 1 point2 points ago

                              That said, he is very good at it.

                              [–]arrezzo 0 points1 point ago

                              Totally. I love him on Have I Got News For You. He's definitely one who always has the last word. Must have done the Open University Course in answering back.

                              [–]tone_Southampton 0 points1 point ago

                              Still better than Romney.

                              [–]augiferkinSalopia 0 points1 point ago

                              Boris v Robot Nixon for President of Earth - now that IS a tough choice!

                              [–]Maverick_Pirate 0 points1 point ago

                              he is an absolute joke

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