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Boris Johnson announces Labour MP Kate Hoey as part of his Mayoral team

by Dave Keating | April 29, 2008 at 12:54 am

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Boris Johnson, who is challenging incumbant London mayor Ken Livingstone in the election this Thursday, has been criticized for being loose on detail. A big part of this criticism is that he has not announced who would serve in his cabinet. This is a big factor because many of the scandals that have plagued Ken Livingstone have revolved around people in his cabinet, and around the people he's chosen to surround himself with. Today Boris finally made an announcement about the cabinet that would exist if he is elected on Thursday.

Even more importantly he's selected a Labour MP, surely hoping to get further votes from traditional Labour backers who have grown weary of Ken after eight years. The idea of Boris having a Labour MP in his cabinet might allay their concerns over his being a Conservative.

The London mayor is the most powerful directly elected position in the UK.

Boris Johnson has claimed that Kate Hoey, the Labour MP for Vauxhall, willjoin him working in City Hall if be becomes Mayor.

There was no immediate confirmation of the announcement from the former sportsminister, who may face disciplinary action if true, including thepossibility of being thrown out of the Labour Party.

Ms Hoey was claimed by Mr Johnson to have agreed to serve as a non-executiveDirector advising Mr Johnson on sport and the Olympics.

According to a release from the Mr Johnson campaign, Ms Hoey would work in anunpaid capacity and intends to remain MP for Vauxhall.