Boris: Pass law limiting Mayor to just two terms

Boris Johnson today called on the Government to pass new legislation preventing the Mayor of London from serving more than two terms.

In a swipe at his predecessor Ken Livingstone, the Mayor said any more time spent in power could lead to cronyism.

He wrote to Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears to demand there be "refreshed leadership" after eight years.

Currently there is no limit set on the number of terms. Mr Johnson said: "Londoners rightly expect that their Mayor is accountable. That's why I pledged to only stand for two terms.

"Without any limits on the number of times an individual can serve as Mayor, there is a real danger of cronyism, misconduct and corruption at City Hall. Londoners deserve better than that. The job of leading London is a huge privilege not a right. It's time the law supported that principle."

The move follows a row over former mayor Ken Livingstone's promise to step down this year, having said power can lead to corruption.

However, he decided to stand in the recent election and said he might continue into a fourth term. He has not yet ruled out fighting in the 2012 contest.

In a speech last week Ms Blears said: "The idea of term limits does not seem very democratic. Surely it should be up to local people how long they want local councillors or mayors to serve?"

Mr Johnson has also vowed to save £80,000 by not having stands advertising City Hall at the three party conferences this year. And he wants to cut the number of staff being sent to the Beijing Olympics to only those whose presence is "absolutely crucial" for the investment of London or the study of how the Games are operated.