CONSERVATIVE London Mayor candidate Boris Johnson has come up with another gaffe - encouraging voters in Epping Forest to vote for him on May 1.

The Tory hopeful, with a reputation for bumbling comments, is a well-known face thanks to his public speaking and numerous television appearances, most notably on the satirical television show Have I Got News for You.

But now we have some news for him.

He may well be ahead in the latest opinion polls in the mayoral race - but we can tell him that he is targeting the wrong electors!

He has written to the Epping Forest Guardian - which covers the entire local authority district, and no part of any London borough - seeking voter support.

In a letter emailed to Epping Forest Guardian editor David Jackman, for inclusion on our letters pages, Mr Johnson wrote: "Last week the contest to become Mayor of London Mayor began. A contest that will make a big difference to your lives in Epping Forest."

Mr Johnson mentions that 27 teenagers were murdered in London last year, and nine this year, with his letter adding: "If you are angry about this then you should make your voice heard on the 1st of May."

He adds: "I will be a champion for Londoners whether they live in the outer boroughs or the inner city. But to make this change for the better, you must vote. Staying at home on 1st May will deliver nothing but more of the same and your concerns will remain neglected. Vote for change on the 1st of May."

Liberal Democrat London Mayor candidate Brian Paddick, amused by Boris's bungle, said: "I'm very glad that Boris Johnson has given up the idea of becoming Mayor of London and has decided to focus on becoming the Mayor of Epping Forest in Essex instead."

When contacted by the Guardian, Mr Johnson's campaign office issued a statement saying it was aware that "many" residents of Epping Forest were not eligible to vote - yet the facts are that NO residents of Epping Forest district are entitled to vote in the London mayor elections.

The statement states: "While we are aware that many residents of Epping Forest are not eligible to vote in the mayoral elections, many of the issues that affect London will directly impact on those who regularly cross the border to work and who know people who live in London.

"Safety on public transport such as at Epping tube station and local buses which cross over from London are within the mayoral remit and therefore it is important that your readers know what Boris is proposing and the potential impacts on local services."

No-one from Labour candidate Ken Livingstone's campaign office has been available to comment.

11:44am Tuesday 1st April 2008

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