Last-placed Winston still eyeing up City Hall

By John Hill on May 8, 2008 9:00 AM |

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LAST-PLACED candidate Winston McKenzie has pledged to bounce off the ropes and eventually take City Hall.

The Croydon-born former boxer battled Boris and Ken without the aid of a political party, marshaling his own campaign from an office in South Quay.

But despite bringing up the rear in this year’s bout with 5,389 first-choice votes, he is confident he will play a part in mayoral politics in the future.

He said: “I’m certain I will be Mayor of London someday. I’m a man that came from nothing, with little or no media exposure, who still got the ear of around 40,000 first and second choice voters. I’m still smiling about that.
“But right now I’m waiting with baited breath for a phone call from Boris Johnson. I believe I’m the type of man he needs around.”

While he believes Boris Johnson was “the 100 per cent correct choice” for Mayor, Mr McKenzie was disappointed by the disproportionate media coverage dedicated to candidates and is planning to discuss ways of addressing this. The former Veritas and Conservative party member was the only candidate not to place a manifesto in the voting guide, which required a £10,000 donation.

He said: “I wish I had been able to afford it. The campaign cost me £36,000 of my own money without the booklet.
“I dread to think of how many votes that lost me. I’ve had untold emails telling me off for not being in that guide.”

Mr McKenzie hopes he will be allowed to help implement policies to address his key issue of youth violence, such as his scheme to open schools until 8pm for voluntary learning and activities.

He said: “Youngsters are murdering each other. My long-term aim is to make a distinct change in our society. I believe 100 per cent that, along with a team, I can end this pattern of gun and knife crime.”