Boris pledges monthly Twitter Q&A

Boris Johnson today pledged to become London’s “Twitter Mayor” by holding a monthly question and answer session on the social networking site if he is re-elected.

The Mayor said Londoners will be able to question him directly during “Twitter Time” in a bid to increase the accountability of his City Hall administration.

But he was criticised today by Ken Livingstone, who pointed out that Mr Johnson cancelled the weekly City Hall press conference.

Mr Johnson held a Twitter Q&A last night during which he answered about 25 questions. As well as addressing serious issues including fares, council tax and cycling, Mr Johnsonalso revealed he was a “cheese-aholic”, saying he favours a “really old Gouda”.

The Mayor said today: “It is vital Londoners can trust their Mayor, that is why I always promised to run the most transparent and accountable administration in Britain.”

A Ken Livingstone spokesman said: “This is a joke. The Tory Mayor has refused to hold press conferences and cut the length of mayoral phone-ins but proposes the occasional Twitter exchange in which he will be able to dictate terms.”