So Boris has won and won convincingly with 79% of the vote. Victoria Borwick, previously the least known of the three candidates, came second.
Each of the three defeated candidates made their contributions. Warwick's manifesto was stuffed full of useful ideas. Victoria's no-nonsense approach to crime would give London some of what Giuliani-Bratton gave to New York. Andrew Boff's ideas for a more democratic London - with powers to recall the Mayor - will, I hope, find their way into Boris Johnson's manifesto.
The level of participation was very disappointing. Only 0.37% of eligible voters took part. It might have been different if CCHQ had advertised the vote more enthusiastically but probably not much better. The only real way in which turnout would have become respectable would have been a heavyweight contest - the Norris V Borris contest was the one ConservativeHome had hoped for.
Boris certainly has the charisma to win and London badly needs a break from Ken Livingstone's taxes, waste and political grandstanding. On Radio 4 this morning Mr Johnson said the top issue facing London was the need for a more democratic London - with greater involvement of the London boroughs. He attacked Ken Livingstone's imposition of rabbit hutch dwellings on London communities. Over time Mr Johnson will need punchier messages than that.
He may also have a very big decision to make if Gordon Brown calls a General Election. Will he fight Henley and risk communicating a lack of belief in his mayoral candidacy? Or will he vacate Henley and risk having no elected position next May?
After the ups and downs of this process we can at least all agree that it's good we don't have Greg Dyke as our candidate this morning!
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