Evening Advertiser 08/02/05

The controversial MP and Spectator editor will speak at the annual dinner of the North and South Swindon Conservatives at the museum on Friday, February 18.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, who will stand for the Tories in North Swindon at the next election, said they were delighted the Henley MP had agreed to visit.

"Boris Johnson is a charismatic, popular MP who we were sure would help us sell out for the dinner," he said.

"We were delighted that he was able to accept. He doesn't do as many public events as he used to but he was very excited about the choice of venue as the Steam Museum."

And Coun Tomlinson was not worried about Mr Johnson's record of putting his foot in it.

"Not in the slightest," he said. "Firstly all people make mistakes and he has paid the price."

"Secondly he is a colourful character that is part and parcel of him."

"I am sure he will be speaking highly of the good people of Swindon."

About 120 people will attend the dinner, at which Coun Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, who will stand for the Conservatives in South Swindon, will also give speeches about their campaigns and the election.

"It is a boost for the local Conservative Party ahead of the general election," Coun Tomlinson said. "We are hoping he will be giving us a bit of a rally cry."

He said he hoped Mr Johnson would be speaking about some of the issues that would be central to the general election.

Haydon Wick councillor Wayne Lawley helped set up the visit because he has links to the Henley Conservatives.

Mr Johnson told the Adver he was looking forward to coming to Swindon.

He said: "I am of course delighted to be coming to Swindon to support the local association and our wonderful prospective candidates.

"I am sure a fun evening will be had by all."