Ever since the post of Mayor was created in 2000, the title has been synonymous with one man, Ken Livingstone. Today, that changes: Boris Johnson is now the face of London. His election will be a breath of fresh air to a city that had tired of the arrogance and sleaze of his predecessor's rule.
With the change of Mayor will come a change in the way London is governed. Mr Livingstone diminished his office by treating it as a personal fiefdom. Mr Johnson has promised to do away with the culture of cronyism and the patronage of various client groups. That will make for better governance. All the signs are that Mr Johnson will be an accessible, tolerant and open Mayor. He has sensible policies that reflect most Londoners' everyday priorities, as well as the intelligence and courage to do the best for the city. Much will now depend on the quality of the team he puts in place: he has already assembled a solid team, but he should also draw, as he has promised to, on the best non-partisan officials of the old administration.
The people of London have chosen well. Now it is for Mr Johnson to fulfil those hopes.
