Plot to wreck Boris Johnson's mayor bid (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Plot to wreck Boris Johnson's mayor bid

8:10pm Thursday 16th August 2007

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Labour supporters are attempting to sabotage Boris Johnson's bid to be selected as the Tory party's mayoral candidate.

Two websites are being dedicated to hijacking the Conservatives' open primaries, which give all London voters - not just Tories - the chance to choose a contender to face current London mayor Ken Livingstone.

London Labour Party members are believed to have received emails urging them to vote for Mr Johnson's lesser known opponents.

Conservative leader David Cameron approved the US-style open primary to ensure the party's candidates had as much backing as possible.

Mr Johnson is hot favourite at the bookies to win the Tory nomination and Mr Livingstone has said the Henley MP would be a "formidable" opponent.

One Tory told the Evening Standard: "This just shows how desperate Labour is to get Boris. They must be terrified."

The Tory candidate will be announced at the party conference in September.

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