Boris bounded up the steps like some hulking bear before looking out of place in front of cameras, Chinese and dignitaries. Unable to believe his luck, all dignity fled as he waved into the crowd like some starstruck teenager in front of the camera who just spots his parents: personal trumping political. One can imagine his delight in the spotlight, representing London and attracting all the attention. Did he indulge in cliche: "I could get used to this"....
Watching Boris and waiting for an air of excitement, the media must be appalled. There have been resignations and a twitch of insurgency about his administration, but they look in vain for vision, narrative or overarching change. Boris is patiently and humbly finding his feet, avoiding expectations of the first hundred days or new brooms. Bored by this lack of activity, commentators latch onto division, another area that Cameron needs to be relaxed about.
John Rentoul notes that Boris is adopting the lines of a man in office. This is at variance with the criticism demanded of opposition. An opposition leader will talk of a broken society, a mayor in office will dismiss such a phrase. From this break, Boris and media build up his persona, tease out his ambitions and fulfil talk of future office. This is all to the good.
Johnson, on the other hand, looks a little further to the future, after
one or two solid terms as leader of a world city that is home to one
eighth of the UK population. His route to Downing Street would be new
to British politics, but is familiar in other countries. Jacques Chirac
was mayor of Paris, for example, and many German leaders cut their
teeth in state governments.
Whatever transitory fame the Olympics give to Boris, this should not detract from the advantages of devolving power. This allows more to wield power at a local level, crafting policies and measures that suit their electorates. Where such decentralisation has taken effect, these platforms become the key to national leadership. Mayors, state governors and perhaps, the heads of devolved Parliaments in the constituent countries of the United Kingdom will be viewed as launching platforms for the premiership.
Whilst there is only one devolved position in England, we will see a debate on the relationship between the London Mayor and the Prime Minister, if the two are seen as potential candidates for the same job. Cameron should not view this current gossip as a problem for localism. If he wishes to drown Boris out or neuter his profile, then the babel of a thousand mayors and county leaders wielding real powers should drown him out. (A real thorn would be ensuring that the Chief Constable if the Metropolitan Police is elected, rather than appointed). That would not be "piffle".