Tories Have Neither Credible Candidate or Credible Policies

10.02.13am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Apr 2004

Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes

Commenting on the launch of Steve Norris campaign posters that are meant to focus on crime, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes, said: "With Mr Livingstone needing Batman to make his fantasy 50% cut in crime come true, Mr Norris must be the Joker with his pledge to try to involve Mr Giuliani as his free, transatlantic 'crime czar'."

"Getting Mr Giuliani at no cost to London's tax payers comes from the same school of fantasy economics as the national Tory pledge to have thousands of extra police at no cost to Council Tax payers."

"Mr Norris commitment to cut crime, which all candidates and Londoners share, would be more credible if there were costed and detailed plans to go with it."

"On crime, transport and all London issues the Tories have neither credible policies or a credible candidate. The choice for Londoners is simple. They can either choose Batman or Joker policies, or a new Mayor who has worked with others to tackle crime and deliver safer communities on the front line."

ENDS

Notes

• Rudolph Giuliani is reported to get $100,000 for after dinner speeches

• Mr Hughes has put forward a Minimum Policing Guarantee that will ensure there are 8 uniformed officers in every borough of every part of London by 2008.

• Mr Hughes has also put forward a 10-point plan to prevent London from a terrorist attack and protect London in the event of an attack

• Up until November 2003, Mr Hughes was the Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary. In 2000, after the case of the murder of Jamie Robe Mr Hughes had a police guard following death threats. Before he became an MP, Mr Hughes was a practicing barrister for the Met Police.