London mayor election: Boris Johnson unveils full manifesto
The Conservative London mayoral candidate Boris Johnson has launched his full manifesto, promising to create 200,000 new jobs over four years.
He also pledged to put an extra 1,000 police on the beat, invest £221m in businesses and cut waste at City Hall.
A Liberal Democrat spokesman said the launch two days before the polls was "outrageous" because postal voters were denied a chance to scrutinise policies.
Mr Johnson's spokesman said 99% of the manifesto was launched over six weeks.
Londoners will cast their votes on 3 May to elect a mayor and London Assembly members.
'Avoid proper scrutiny'
Mr Johnson said he would cut the mayor's share of the council tax by 10% if re-elected and would reduce Tube delays by 30% by 2015.
He said: "It is about who has the best plan for the jobs and growth that will help bring prosperity to all.
"It is about who will deliver the investment - from central government - that will take London forward.
"It is about who you can trust to spend that money wisely - and who will be honest with you about where the money is coming from, and how it is spent."
A spokesman for Brian Paddick, the Liberal Democrat candidate, said: "It is outrageous that Boris Johnson is only launching his full manifesto two days before election day.
"Many Londoners will have already voted by post and they have been denied a chance to do so based on Boris Johnson's policies.
"It is as if he is trying to avoid proper scrutiny."
'More affordable London'
Mr Johnson's spokesman countered the allegation and said that "99% of the manifesto has been launched over the last six weeks" setting out his plans for the economy, transport and policing.
Labour candidate Ken Livingstone's spokesman said: "The Tories cannot make their minds up about when they have launched their manifesto.
"The choice in this election is between a Labour mayor that will make you £1,000 better off, or a Conservative mayor who makes things worse in difficult times with annual fare rises."
A spokesman for Green Party candidate Jenny Jones said: "This election is about how to make London a more equal, healthy and affordable city for all.
"By voting Green on the Assembly on Thursday, Londoners can ensure that whoever is elected mayor, there will be a strong Green voice at City Hall pushing for a fairer, healthier, more affordable London."
Mr Johnson's nine manifesto pledges are:
- Cutting waste at City Hall and freeing up £3.5bn for services
- Cutting the mayoral share of council tax by 10%
- Creating 200,000 new jobs over four years
- An additional 1,000 police on the beat
- Investing £221m into local high streets, helping small businesses
- Olympic legacy promise of delivering 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs
- Reducing Tube delays by 30% by 2015, building Crossrail, extending Bike Hire scheme
- Lobbying 10 Downing Street for a better deal for London