I have just spoken to Nick Boles and he has decided to pull out of the mayoral race after having been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. He has a very good chance of recovery but he will be very fatigued over the next few months and unable to devote his usual high levels of energy to campaigning. The energy he does have will be devoted to his recently launched Good Neighbours initiative.
I wish Nick a full and speedy recovery and hope that he'll soon be back in the frontline of politics. He is an exceptional talent.
Let's discuss the implications for the mayoral contest on another day and just wish Nick well in this thread.
Very, very sorry to hear this. He's a good guy and if I still lived in London would have had my vote. Get well soon Nick!
Posted by: malcolm | July 03, 2007 at 11:47
My best wishes to you Nick.
It might be that the excellent Good Neighbours initiative will be a longer lasting legacy in due course than you realise now.
I will pray for your recovery.
Posted by: Jennifer Wells | July 03, 2007 at 11:53
SUCH a shame. He was our best chance at kicking Livingston out.
My family and I all wish Nick a full and rapid recovery.
Posted by: James | July 03, 2007 at 11:55
What an accident-prone process this has become! But all Londoners will no doubt join in wishing him a strong recovery.
Posted by: Londoner | July 03, 2007 at 12:12
It's a tragedy that Nicholas Boles has got cancer. He's such a dynamic person, and a thoroughly decent one too.
Nick, if you're reading this then please be assured that all our prayers are with you. I'm sure you'll make a full recovery and be in a position to get back involved in the future.
Posted by: David Cecil | July 03, 2007 at 12:24
Get well soon we need you in power
Posted by: James Cullis | July 03, 2007 at 12:25
I lost a close friend to Hodgkins disease. Thankfully, the treatments and prognosis are much better now. I understand that over 90% of sufferers are treated successfully.
I send Nick my best wishes and hope that he recovers fully and speedily.
Posted by: TFA Tory | July 03, 2007 at 12:39
Get well soon Nick - such a shame after all your hard work on the campaign. All the best.
Posted by: Nigel Fletcher | July 03, 2007 at 12:40
I am very sorry to hear this. Nick came along to help in my council by-election in Chingford Green as was very helpfull and full of good ideas.
Wish him a speedy recovery
Posted by: Andrew Hemsted | July 03, 2007 at 12:53
What very sad news. My very best wishes to you Nick. Concentrate on your recovery. Your many supporters in the Party and beyond will still be there when you are better.
Posted by: Dominic Schofield | July 03, 2007 at 13:10
Sad news. While I did not think that he was the right candidate against Livingstone, I wish him well for a full and speedy recovery.
Posted by: Jim Morris | July 03, 2007 at 13:17
Such sad news. I wish you a speedy recovery, Nick.
Posted by: Justin Hinchcliffe | July 03, 2007 at 13:19
Lets hope Nick makes full recovery. I feel rather dejected becuase Nick appeared to be the only one amongst the declared candidates who could have thrashed Livingstone.
Posted by: Yogi | July 03, 2007 at 13:21
Good luck Nick; I enjoyed meeting you in Tooting a while back.
Posted by: Simon Newman | July 03, 2007 at 13:35
By chance I went through the exact same nightmare back in 99/00.
The treatment's punishing, but the prognosis is good.
We all wish Nick well.
Grant.
Posted by: Grant Shapps MP | July 03, 2007 at 13:41
Sad news, my best wishes for a full and swift recovery Nick.
Posted by: Matt Davis | July 03, 2007 at 13:55
I'm really sorry to hear that and wish Nick a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Deborah Thomas | July 03, 2007 at 13:58
Hi Nick,
I am dismayed to hear the news. Of all the candidates I have met recently, I felt that you would be my biggest challenger. You have amazing talents. The sincerity and honesty you portrayed throughout the campaign is something to be truly admired. Your sporting attitude is something we should all take note of. Nick, I sincerely wish both you and your family all the very best for the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me if at all I can be of any assistance in the future.
You are a real Champ - But this time you gotto come out fightin!
WINSTON McKENZIE (aka The Champ)
Posted by: Winston McKenzie | July 03, 2007 at 14:05
Very unfortunate news. Best of British, Nick, and have another go next time round!
Posted by: Edward | July 03, 2007 at 14:38
Sorry to hear this news. Best Wishes, Nick and here's to a swift recovery.
Posted by: james morris | July 03, 2007 at 14:52
Sad news and I hope Nick gets better soon. I saw him speak at a recent hustings and was impressed with his original thinking.
I don't doubt he will return, most probably as an MP.
Posted by: Michael Hewlett | July 03, 2007 at 14:57
Perhapes, when Nick's better, we can send him to the Lords? He has real talent - unlike the Warsi woman.
Posted by: Justin Hinchcliffe | July 03, 2007 at 14:59
Very sorry to hear about this and hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.
Posted by: Michael McGowan | July 03, 2007 at 15:12
I have just heard the sad news about Nick Boles's illness. It is a dreadful setback to his political career and we are are all the poorer for his absence from the field of aspiratn mayoral candidates. He will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I have no doubt that he will soon be back in the political frontline, making his distinctive and talented contribution to the work of the Conservative Party.
Posted by: Victoria Borwick | July 03, 2007 at 16:00
I am very sorry to hear this, I hope Nick makes a swift and full recovery and will go on to lead a very happy life here after!
Posted by: Laura-Rose Saunders | July 03, 2007 at 16:09
What shocking news -- very very best wishes to Nick, who seems like a lovely man.
Posted by: Graeme Archer | July 03, 2007 at 16:41
This is bloody awful news but you know, Nick, that there's a lot of us out here who will back you in any campaign you run in the future. The Party needs people of your integrity, steadfastness and grit and I look forward to seeing you, as soon as possible, in the political limelight you deserve.
Posted by: Susannah Frieze | July 03, 2007 at 17:46
Get well soon Nick - there be plenty more battles to fight in the future.
Posted by: Neil Reddin | July 03, 2007 at 17:50
My best wishes for the treatment and recovery - looking forward to working with you on your return.
Posted by: Rachel Joyce | July 03, 2007 at 22:19