LibDems select Brian Paddick as their candidate

Paddick made his first speech as LibDem mayoral candidate today:

"Londoners have had enough of Ken Livingstone; even some of his supporters think eight years is long enough, let alone twelve if he were to be re-elected. The part-time Member of Parliament for Henley-on-Thames, part-time quiz show host, part-time right-wing columnist, is never going to represent Londoners, even if he was prepared to stop playing the fool - which he’s not. I am the only serious alternative to Ken Livingstone and I have the background, the skills and the experience to do the job and do it well. Some might say I am not really a politician, well thank goodness for that! I have a hard-earned reputation for being open and honest, for telling the truth even when it is not what people want to hear. I am not going to throw that reputation away now."

The Guardian profiled the gay, "soft-on-drugs" senior Metropolitan policeman a couple of months ago.

How much of a threat do you think he will pose to Ken & Boris?

Comments

[Chad Noble]

I like Paddick. He has certainly brought real choice to the election.

He will obviously give 100% to the role, and no-one will be able to doubt his real desire for the role, not just the job-title.

And he showed with his interaction with Urban75 that he will roll up his sleeves and really seek to interact with people at the ground level.

http://www.urban75.org/paddick/

[Iain]

"How much of a threat do you think he will pose to Ken & Boris?"

None, Paddick was nothing short of useless when on Any Questions.

[Justin Hinchcliffe]

Well he's not going to get anywhere by making personal attacks on Boris - that's for sure!

[Justin Hinchcliffe]

So do we take it that Chad is now a Lib Dem ?

[Michael Davidson]

How much of a threat will Paddick be?

About the same as Boris will be to Ken - in other words no threat at all.

[Jose Gonzales]

We love him. His policies are excellent. His sexual orientation is irrelevant.

xxx

[Roger Evans]

At this morning's press conference, Livingstone said that he couldn't see why Paddick was standing, because they shared the same views on everything. The only difference is that Paddick is less fond of Sir Ian Blair.

[Robert T]

If he poses any threat at all, it must surely be to Livingstone. Someone as left wing as Paddick is simply not going to appeal to anyone who is even considering voting Conservative.

[Jon H]

the guy is a complete fruit loop. Who ever heard of a lib dem police officer? So much for being tough on crime!

[Chad Noble]

"So do we take it that Chad is now a Lib Dem ?"

Belly laugh. No Justin, with your pro federal EU views they are a better fit for you than 'anti-eu headbanger' me!

I fear I am a naughty libertine aspiring to be a respectable libertarian so re Paddick, he earned himself a lot of respect, in a non party political way when he engaged with Urban75 on the drugs issue.

It doesn't mean that he'll be a good mayor, but I sense (as a non-party member) that he'll be determined to do the job in a way Boris could never really be bothered.

[Malcolm Dunn]

His track record is poor. Policing Lambeth is a very difficult job but Paddick failed badly.
To start a campaign with a bunch of personal insults of opponents is never a good idea as I suspect Paddick will find out. His chances against Livingstone (please don't call him Ken he is a truly horrible man)and Boris are I suspect worse than Kramers' were against Norris and Livingstone last time round.

[london conservative]

What will Boris Johnson do if Brian Paddick actually wants to, er, campaign?

Two full time strong campaigners versus "The part-time Member of Parliament for Henley-on-Thames, part-time quiz show host, part-time right-wing columnist."

Wouldn't it be better to run with someone who actually wants the job?

[David Parker]

Both Livingstone and Paddick are "Agenda driven" whereas I suspect that Boris may be more of a pragmatist,concentrating upon those issues which are practically possible and prepared to accept criticism for placing these above mere idealism. As to his committment to politics rather than being a part time dilletante, once again I suspect a very ammbitious political agenda; which has already achieved a far greater effect than that of many long standing, full time back bench political hacks.

[Mr Angry]

Excellent news for us. Paddick has the potential to take quite a few votes from Livingstone but is unlikely to take many from Boris. All round Paddick and Livingstone will be competeing for the same group's votes whilst Boris, provided he remains wiley about things, won't.

Oh and ....

"So do we take it that Chad is now a Lib Dem ?" Posted by: Justin Hinchcliffe

Why not Justin, you obviously are.

[David Parker]

Both Livingstone and Paddick are "Agenda driven" whereas I suspect that Boris may be more of a pragmatist,concentrating upon those issues which are practically possible and prepared to accept criticism for placing these above mere idealism. As to his committment to politics rather than being a part time dilletante, once again I suspect a very ammbitious political agenda; which has already achieved a far greater effect than that of many long standing, full time back bench political hacks.

[Roger Evans]

Malcolm, the Lib Dem candidate last time around was Simon Hughes, not Kramer - who stood in 2000. I'm not surprised you forgot, after all, who is going to remember Paddick in four years?

[Troubador]

Great. the three main parties all now put up bloody useless candidates.

[Mash]

I agree with Chad Noble that Brian Paddick's candidacy to become Mayor of London will provide a real choice for all Londoners. All three candidates bring forward their unique experience and background.

I have met Brian Paddick, whilst he was a serving Deputy Assistant Commissioner, in the Metropolitan Police Service. I found him extremely approachable, down to earth and someone who adopts a more dialogue approach as senior manager. He brings forward his policing experience, his experience who has been in charge of
policy co-ordination and community problem solving in the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Directorate. This will enable him to bring this experience. Additionally, he was once the national lead for the police service on disability and mental health issues for a year and a half. At a time when there is a lack of discussion on support for Londoners with disabilities, he will certainly bring issues up like this. For instance, Boris has still not raised whether the Freedom Pass will be retained for those with serious mental health difficulties or serious disabilities. They currently receive this benefit, in order to get them to hospital appointments when required and has been useful for those unemployed due to their mental health difficulties. This additional benefit helps them. Ken has promised to retain this. Will Boris provide the same assurance to London's disabled community? Furthermore, many feel they are able to relate to Brian Paddick, having spoken to people in my own community. However, nobody has ruled Ken or Boris out.

Boris also brings forward his expanding experience as an experienced Parliamentarian, covering a variety of different portfolios and his experience in the media. I am sure he will be beneficial for London's diverse communities and will be a good Mayor for London.

The present Mayor has achieved a great deal as Mayor of London, particularly for London's diverse communities and supporting disabled people throughout the city. He has done alot which nobody can deny, however, I agree that she should now step down.

BACK BORIS

Mash

[Treacle]

Paddick

Father was a comedian

He is a joke

[Chris Harrison]

Paddick = professional
Boris = professional politician